Historic Dhaka Gate, also known as Mir Jumla Gate or Ramna Gate, was opened to the public on Wednesday.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh re-inaugurated the gate by unveiling the cover of the main stone.
“It was not an easy task. I thank those who made this restoration possible. DSCC is committed to preserving our heritage. Today's historic Dhaka Gate restoration has fulfilled a large part of our promise,” said the mayor.
During his speech at the inauguration ceremony, historian Prof Muntassir Mamoon said, “Today, after nearly two centuries, Dhaka's historic gate embarks on a new chapter. This restoration marks a moment of immense gratification. The last restoration of the gate was done by Charles Dawes, who served as the magistrate of Dhaka, from 1823 to 1824.”
The Dhaka Gate is located at the intersection of the Curzon Hall of Dhaka University, the Suhrawardy Uddyan and the Science Library. It was built between 1660 and 1663 by Mir Jumla, the Mughal governor of Bengal, renowned for securing Dhaka and its inhabitants from the raids of pirates.
From the 17th to the beginning of the 19th century, this gate was the main entrance to Dhaka city which, at that time, flourished on the banks of the Buriganga.
The historical gate was almost destroyed due to neglect, however, DSCC took the initiative to restore it last year as part of saving the heritage of the capital.
The restoration project, undertaken by contractor Ahnaf Tradings at a cost of approximately Tk 82 lakh, prioritised the use of traditional materials like lime plaster, carefully preserving both the original D'Oyly section and the 1960s section.
A historically evocative cannon was also integrated into the new design, adding a touch of authenticity.
Mizanur Rahman, chief executive officer of DSCC, delivered the welcome speech at the inauguration ceremony. Other distinguished guests including Dhaka University Proctor Prof Maksudur Rahman, Prof Abu Sayeed M Ahmed of Asia Pacific University and AFM Bahauddin Nasim, MP, also spoke at the programme.
Earlier, a documentary on the gate's history and restoration journey was also screened, offering a glimpse into its past and present.
