Historic Dhaka Gate remains uncared for:Daily Sun

Dhaka Gate bears the glorious history of Muslim rule. It is generally believed that Mir Jumla, who was appointed the governor of Bengal in 1660, constructed this gate to guard the city from the attacks of the Magh from the north. The gate now stands near Doel Chattar on Dhaka University campus. Bayazid Akter Historic Dhaka Gate, which still stands tall with the vestige of magnificent Mughal archit
ecture, has been in sheer disregard for lack of a custodian and proper care. A symbol of superb architectural style, Dhaka Gate is situated near historic Curzon Hall of Dhaka University. But it is about to crumble from years of neglect. Even, a portion of the gate goes under illegal occupation. Neither Dhaka University nor Bangladesh Archaeology Department knows who to take the responsibility for the upkeep of the historic remnant, also known as Mir Jumla Gate, now about to lose grandeur. Contacted, officials of both the state entities blamed each other for the shabby condition of this historic structure. Who is there to guard the heritage site? The gate has three parts—one is adjacent to Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, another in the middle of the road and the other near the mausoleum of three leaders on Suhrawardy Udyan. Mir Jumla (1660-1663), a prominent subahdar [governor] of Bengal under Emperor Aurangzeb, made a number of constructions, the first of which is Mir Jumla Gate, also known as Ramna Gate or Dhaka Gate. The gate was probably meant to guard the city from the north from the attacks of ‘Magh’ pirates. Visiting the place on Sunday, this correspondent saw that a residential house has been built using the west part of this gate which is close to the energy commission building. Elements of household chores remain on the spot, but nobody was seen during the visit. Dhaka Gate has lost its original colour and appeal as most part of its sand and concrete has begun to crumble. Another part in the middle of the road is seen covered with numerous posters of political parties and advertisements also. All things considered, it is beyond belief that Dhaka Gate is a historic relic of the Mughal architecture. Talking to daily sun, Prof Dr Shima Hoque, chairman of archeology department of Jahangirnagar University, said the government has a constitutional obligation to protect any historic place in the country. “If the gate is reconstructed rightfully with a nameplate containing history, it may attract tourists who always desire to know the real history,” she observed. When asked, DU estate manager Supria Das said the gate does not fall under their jurisdiction, rather the city corporation has the duty to take its care. “We want that the gate be reconstructed but we have nothing to do as it falls within the city corporation’s remit,” she told daily sun. On the contrary, Shirin Akhter, director general of archeology department, said Dhaka Gate is not enlisted in their documents as it is standing on the DU campus. “As the gate lies on the DU campus, we shouldn’t reconstruct it without discussing the matter with the Dhaka University authorities.” The archaeologist said that her department will try to address the problem in future.