Dhaka: Lalbagh Kella

Visit 30 September 2012.

Lalbagh Fort (also Fort Aurangabad) Lalbagh Fort is an unfinished fort that is located at the Lalbagh of Old Dhaka. The construction was initiated under the direction of Azam Shah, the third son of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb during 1678. His construction was thwarted as he was summoned back to Delhi to fight against the Marathi. Later on Shayesta Khan continued the construction during 1680. But unfortunately his beloved daughter Pori Bibi had died that time and he considered this fort as a bad omen, and thus he never completed this task anymore (after 1684).

The Lalbag fort has three main edifices apart from the fort itself. It has a three domes mosque at the western side, and a Hammam Khana at the eastern side. Middle of these two it has a tomb (of Pori Bibi). This tomb was built using rich materials (considering that time) like marble stone, black basalt, etc. 

At the center chamber of this square shaped complex the beloved daughter of Shayesta Khan was buried.The mosque is publicly open for the public to practice their daily prayer. And the Hammam Khana  is serving as a museum which exhibits the used materials like knifes, dress, guns from that time. Right now the second floor is not open (but it was when I have visited there long time back as a kid).

The fort has three main facades and only one is open these days. These gates are at the northern side of the fort. At southern side it has several high walls which were the part of the main fortification. I believe these were designed to be a part of the high pathway for patrolling. This fort was totally abandoned for a long period. Later it was renovated, but still the only remaining portion of the wall is in very dilapidated condition.

 How to Go:

This Lalbag Kella is located at the Older part of Dhaka. It is very easy to access. You can ask any rickshaw puller from Gulistan to drop you there. The GPS coordinate of the fort is

Ticket, Opening and Closing:

This fort remains open Tuesday to Saturday. The ticket price is 5 taka for the kids. And 20 taka for the adults. For the foreigner its 100 taka per person.

The river Burigonga is very near from this place. You can have a boat ride from there if you have time in hand. Around the rainy season the Burigonga river very enjoyable for the visitors. GPS coordinate of Sowari Ghat beside the Burigonga river is