Lalbagh Fort

The Lalbagh Fort is far more than just an incomplete Mughal structure; it is a profound monument to unfulfilled dreams and the poignant echoes of a love story lost to time. The tale begins in 1678, when Prince Muhammad Azam, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb, initiated the construction of this grand fortress-palace, then known as Fort Aurangabad, on the banks of the Buriganga River. However, his recall to Delhi to assist his father in a war against the Marathas meant his dream was never realized. The project was inherited by Subedar Shaista Khan, who continued the work until a personal tragedy struck—the untimely death of his beloved daughter, Pari Bibi, in 1684. Grief-stricken, Shaista Khan considered the fort ominous and abandoned the construction, leaving it forever incomplete. It is for this reason that the fort is widely regarded as a "monument of the unfulfilled dreams" of the Mughal princes.

Stepping through the imposing three-storeyed southern gateway, you enter a world of faded Mughal grandeur spread across 18 acres. The complex is a symphony of three primary structures: the elegant, three-domed mosque; the tomb of Pari Bibi, a square mausoleum adorned with black basalt and white marble; and the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Audience). Excavations have revealed a sophisticated network of water supply, sewerage, and even roof gardens, testifying to the advanced planning of the era. Local lore whispers of secret underground tunnels, or Shurongo Path, supposedly connecting the fort to other parts of the river, adding an air of mystery. Today, as you wander its manicured lawns and explore its silent halls, you can almost hear the rustle of silk and the distant laughter of Pari Bibi, for legend claims her spirit still graces the fort on every full moon. 

Other historical forts

• Hajiganj Fort- Hajiganj Fort is a historic 17th-century Mughal river fort located on the banks of the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj. Built around 1660 AD, it is one of three strategically positioned forts (along with Sonakanda and Idrakpur) constructed to defend the prosperous trading city of Dhaka from Portuguese and Arakanese pirates. The square-shaped fort features thick brick walls, corner bastions, and a moat. Though it no longer has its original gateways or internal structures, its imposing presence and riverside location offer visitors a vivid sense of Mughal military architecture and Bengal’s turbulent riverine history. Easily accessible from Dhaka, Hajiganj Fort is a fascinating stop for those exploring the lesser-known Mughal heritage of the region. 

• Sonakanda Fort- Sonakanda Fort is a well-preserved 17th-century Mughal river fort situated on the banks of the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj. Built around the 1660s during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, it formed part of a strategic defensive network — along with Hajiganj and Idrakpur forts — to protect the wealthy trading city of Dhaka from Portuguese and Arakanese pirates. The rectangular fort features thick brick walls, prominent corner bastions, and a grand riverside gateway. Its elevated position offers pleasant views over the river and the surrounding countryside. Though simpler in design than Lalbagh Fort, Sonakanda Fort remains an impressive example of Mughal military architecture and provides visitors with a tangible link to Bengal’s river-based history and defense systems of the Mughal era. 

• Idrakpur Fort- Idrakpur Fort, located in Munshiganj, is the earliest of the three famous Mughal river forts built to protect Dhaka. Constructed in 1660 AD by Mir Jumla II, the Mughal governor of Bengal, the fort was strategically positioned on the banks of the Ichhamati River to defend against Portuguese and Arakanese pirate attacks. The square-shaped fort features thick brick walls, four prominent corner bastions, and a strong riverside presence. Though it no longer has its original internal buildings, its impressive fortifications remain largely intact, offering a clear picture of 17th-century Mughal military architecture. Idrakpur Fort is an important historical landmark that reflects Bengal’s turbulent riverine past and the strategic defense network of the Mughal Empire in the region.