From the final resting place of Pari Bibi in Lalbagh Fort to the Nawab-era grandeur of Ahsan Manzil, from the resonant calls to prayer at Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque and Shaista Khan Mosque to the spiritual echoes of Hoseni Dalan—Old Dhaka is steeped in narratives of time. The nostalgic aromas of Farashganj’s spice markets, the literary debates at Beauty Boarding, the rhythmic drums of Dhakeshwari Temple, and the colonial elegance of Curzon Hall all tell stories of a metropolis shaped by history and resilience.

While Old Dhaka remains a beacon of cultural richness today, its architectural treasures face growing threats from rapid urbanization and unchecked development. To prevent this historic legacy from fading into folklore, the Department of Architecture at the University of Asia Pacific has undertaken an extensive effort to document, preserve, and promote Old Dhaka’s heritage through tourism and education.

Exhibition Highlights

A group of dedicated students spent the past years exploring the alleys and corners of Old Dhaka under the leadership of Dr. Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed, a distinguished architectural conservationist and Dean of the Department of Architecture. Through meticulous research, they unearthed not only architectural heritage but also detailed accounts of local lifestyles, professions, and socio-economic conditions.

As part of this initiative, six key architectural heritage routes have been identified, offering tourists a fresh perspective to discover Old Dhaka’s rich history and cultural legacy. This endeavor aims to foster heritage-based tourism, simultaneously expanding business and professional opportunities for the local community.

The thoughtful and investigative efforts of these architecture students would be showcased in the exhibition titled “Old Dhaka – Narratives, Reflection, Future : Unravelling through Heritage Trails”