flic.kr/p/2sK93SVAn Unfinished Story
Amid the narrow lanes and concrete buildings of Old Dhaka stands Lalbag Fort, a remarkable example of Mughal architecture. Its construction began in 1678 under Prince Muhammad Azam, son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. But the fort was never completed.
Within the fort, surrounded by gardens, lies the tomb of Pari Bibi, daughter of Shaista Khan, the Mughal governor of Bengal. She died at a young age. Legend has it that, devastated by the untimely death of his beloved daughter, Shaista Khan considered the fort ill-fated and abandoned its construction.
More than three and a half centuries have passed since then. Mughal rule ended long ago. Dhaka has changed beyond recognition. Densely populated neighbourhoods have grown around the fort, and multistorey buildings now dominate the skyline. Yet, amid all these changes, the tomb of Pari Bibi remains much as it was.
Away from the noise and bustle of Dhaka, a pathway through the gardens leads to the entrance of the mausoleum.
Lalbag Fort still stands, carrying the story of a young woman’s untimely death, a father’s grief, and an architectural dream left unfinished. Standing here, one cannot help but feel that time has stood still, if only for a moment.
Heritage: Lalbag Fort
October 21, 2026
Camera: Sony
www.alochhobi.net