Saturday, June 28, 2014

Parliament House of Bangladesh

dhaka
The Parliament House of Bangladesh is the pride of the Bengali nation. The Parliament House is also known as Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban in Bengali. Bangladesh National Parliament is an architectural masterpiece and a real accomplishment for the country. It was designed by world renowned American architect and Professor of Yale University, Louis I. Kahn. It's the house of all parliamentary activities of Bangladesh.

Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban was given Muzharul Islam first, to design by the government. But, Islam brought his teacher Louis Kahn into the project to do a significant work for future generation. Muzharul Islam assisted Kahn at the project. According to Robert McCarter, author of Louis I. Kahn, it "is one of the twentieth century's greatest architectural monuments, and is without question Kahn's magnum opus.

banhladeshLouis I. Kahn came to prominence after designing Richards Medical Laboratories, Philadelphia. His other distinctive works include the Philips Exeter Academy Library, Bryn Mawr Dormitories, Yale Art Gallery, Salk Institute, Kimble Art Museum, Management Centre in Ahmedabad, India, Family Planning Centre, Nepal etc. His biggest as also the best work is considered to be the Jatiya Sangsad complex. After the death of Luis I Kahn, his junior Henry Wilcot completed the revised design of the complex. Hery M Pambam made the structural design. The building is indeed a marvel of synthesis of ideas and engineering.

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Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban was originally commissioned by the Pakistanis when Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan after Partition of the Indian Sub-Continent, was meant to serve as the second seat of the national parliament. Construction of Bangladesh National Parliament started in 1964 but halted due to the Bangladeshi War of independence, and finally the work of the Jatiya Sangsad building was completed in early 1982, and was inaugurated on 28 January 1982 by the then President Justice Abdus Sattar. The inaugural session of the Jatiya Sangsad commenced in this building on 15 February 1982.

Data of construction:
* Beginning of construction: 1961
* Cost of construction and design: Tk. 129 crore or 1.29 billion (=1,290,000,000)
* Inauguration: 28th January, 1982
* Architect: Louis I. Kahn
* Total area: 200 acres (800,000 m²)
* Location: Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka
* Number of Parliaments: 10 (Running)
* GIS coordinates: 23.762465°,90.378545°

There have been ten national elections in Bangladesh. The first and second Parliaments used the Old Shangshad Bhaban, which currently serves as the Prime Minister's Office.

bangladeshThe main characteristic of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is its monumentality. The mass of concrete lined with marble strips, the outer wall punctuated by pure geometrical openings and the dominating circular and rectangular concrete masses impart a supreme monumentality to the building quite suited to its noble functions. At the dead center of the building is the main hall where MPs sit and the sessions of the Jatiya Sangsad are held. The plan is concentric; various layers of functions are situated around the main hall. A seven-storied high ambulatory, with light coming from the roof, surrounds the assembly hall like a circumambulatory path around a deity. There are four identical office blocks along four arms with other functions on four corners. There is also an elaborate circulation system with a series of different types of stairs. The plan is essentially a square manipulated into an octagon. There are nine levels with horizontal connections in three floors only. The height of the structure is 49.68m (163 ft) above the ground.

The main building complex consists of nine individual blocks, of which eight at its periphery rise to a height of 110 feet, while the octagonal block at the center shoots up to 155 feet. The central block accommodates the Assembly chamber with a capacity of 354 seats for members of the Sangsad. The entire complex has a floor area of 823,000 square feet in the main building, 223,000 square feet in the South Plaza and 65,000 square feet in the North Plaza. The formal entrance through the south plaza gradually rises to a height of 20 feet and 6 inches in a broad flight of stairs.

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The basement accommodates a parking area, offices of maintenance agencies and service installations for the main building. The building has a water body of artificial lake touching its walls on all sides, and the North and the South plaza tie it to the site. From a distance, the edifice appears as if it rose out of water. The approach to the Sangsad Bhaban is through the grand plaza on the south and through the Presidential Square from the north with gardens of green grass and eucalyptus trees. The northern approach has an amphitheatre where state functions are held. Further north across the North Plaza there is a road by the side of the Crescent Lake.

There is not a single column in the whole building. Hollow columns that are parts of space enclosures have been adapted as structural supports. It is more like a concrete mass carefully carved and sculptured into a superbly functional entity. The construction material used is concrete and cast concrete forms, both interior and exterior surfaces. Use of light and the unique way of bringing light to public spaces is an interesting element of Kahn’s design. Light from the roof illuminate different spaces as if ambient glows are showered from heaven.

One of the important considerations in designing the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban was protection from the sun and rain, while admitting free circulation of air achieved by providing huge geometric openings at the outer facade in the form of triangles, rectangles, full and segmented circles and flat arches. The structure provides a visual impression of a majestic edifice. It avoided conventional method of placing windows in the exterior and the disadvantages of monumental composition were removed by provision of core walls with small gaps in between. Architecturally, the complex marks a distinct departure from the rest of modern buildings in Dhaka.

bangladeshThe main criticism of the building is its exorbitant construction and maintenance cost. The total cost of the complex with a floor space of 6,27,833 square feet (Sangsad Building, 3.44 acres; North Plaza, 1.46 acres; South Plaza 4.98 acres and residential buildings, hostels, gardens, roads, lakes etc) was TK. 128.00 crores (1280 million). There are 50 staircases, 340 toilets, 1635 doors, 335 windows, 300 partitions, 35,850 sft glass shutter, 58,500 sft wooden shutter, 1,33,500 cft wooden panels in the building. The annual maintenance and operational expenses of the building is about five and a half crores (55 million) taka. The top floor or Level-10 of the building is used for different machinery.

The Jatiya Sangsad building has been discussed and referred to in almost all architectural publications in all parts of the world. It was also awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The following citation text published at the time of award giving ceremony expresses an evaluation of the project. 

It says:
Faced with an imposing architectural work of extraordinary power, clarity of form and beauty, the
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jury could not help but question the compatibility of Sher-e-Banglanagar with the needs and aspirations, of a poor country. Yet a review of the building’s design and construction plans on site studies reveal that over time it has come to enjoy overwhelming approval, it stands as a symbol of democracy in Bangladesh and has influenced that country in a variety of beneficial ways. Reaching beyond the architecture of the immediate area, the building has assimilated important archetypes of the region among other ways through the extension of its parks and water pools. The architect has re-interpreted and transformed these ideas through a process that applied concepts of construction technology to conditions specific to the Dhaka locale. The result is a building that while universal in its source of forms, aesthetics and technologies could be in no other place.

Although entrance to the Bhaban, the Main Building, is limited to authorized members of Parliament and staff, the Jatiyo Sangshad complex is open to visitors. On the North of complex, across the Lake Road, is Crescent Lake and Zia Uddan (also called Chondrima Uddan). The two complexes together form a major attraction for tourists in Dhaka. The complexes are popular among joggers and skaters of Dhaka. The official Prime Minister's Residence is on the North West corner of the Mirpur Road and Lake Road crossing and is a five minute walk from the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban. The area is one of the highest security zones of Dhaka.

The Complex can be accessed using any of the four roads surrounding it, however, the Manik Mia Avenue and Lake Road are the easiest approaches.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

National Zoo of Bangladesh

dhaka zoodhaka zooIn various kinds of tourist places an animal zoo
also can be the tourist attraction and enjoyable for people. Dhaka Zoo, which is the national zoo of Bangladesh has the appearance, become a tourist attraction of world wide. It's the biggest zoo of Bangladesh, stayed in Mirpur in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A biggest number of animals are in Dhaka zoo. Moreover about 3 million visitors from native to abroad are coming here to visit these animals.

The zoo takes 186-acre (75 ha) for arranging animals and main office, established in 1974 under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The zoo attracts around 10,000 visitors every day with the number increasing during the weekends.

The budget of Dhaka zoo for one year is Tk 37.5 million, out of which Tk 25 million is spent on feeding the animals.

dhaka zooIn kinds of various animals more than 165 species of 2000 animals are here and the quantity increase every year. So that tourists or visitors can get new animals to see with new species. It's very attractive for them to see new kinds of native and non-native animals in front of eyes from world wide. This is the reason of increasing visitors per year at the zoo.

Visitors to the Dhaka Zoo will appreciate the way the animal enclosures are designed to make each occupant feel at home by mimicking the animal’s natural environment as closely as possible. Of course, the animals are safely behind bars, but the overall appearance of the zoo, with its tree-lined pathways and two large tranquil lakes that host migratory waterfowl each winter, gives one the impression of being out in the country rather than within the boundaries of one of the busiest cities in Bangladesh.

dhaka zooMammals at the zoo include elephant, cheetah, rhinoceros, zebra, waterbuck, otter, hyena, deer, giraffes, impala, black bear, tapir, hippo, lion and many different species of monkeys, as well as chimpanzees and baboons. The majestic Royal Bengal Tigers are a highlight of the Dhaka Zoo – which is fitting, seeing as it is the national animal of Bangladesh. Many of the animals, including the zebras, giraffes, impalas, hippos, waterbuck and rhinoceros were brought to Bangladesh from South Africa, and have adapted well to their new surroundings. The hippo enclosure contains a sizable lake covered in aquatic greenery that the hippos seem to thoroughly enjoy.

The aviaries at the Dhaka Zoo has more than 1,500 birds from 90 species, and visitors can expect to see peacocks, Rhea, African gray parrots, cassowary, owls, ostrich, emus, teals, finches, babblers, owls, vultures, eagles and too many others to mention. Visitors are always fascinated by the crocodiles and snakes at Dhaka Zoo, while the museum provides many informative displays relating to the animals as well as the history of the zoo.

dhaka zooA particularly popular activity at Dhaka Zoo is going for an elephant-back ride, or for those who have a fear of heights, horseback rides are also available. A visit to Dhaka Zoo is not only entertaining, but educational too, as visitors get to know more about animals found in Bangladesh, as well as animals from other parts of the world.

Location: Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Close Days: Sunday, but if there is any government Holiday on
Sunday then it remains open that day.
Visiting Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm from September-
October and March-April; 8am-6.30pm from May-
August and 8am-5pm from November-February
Entry Fee: tk. 10/entrants [50-100% discount for study team of educational institute, orphanage and mental & physical  disable peoples group]
Tel: 8035035, 9002020, 9002738, 9003252

Sunday, June 22, 2014

The only planetarium of Bangladesh: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Novo Theatre

bangabandhuBangabandhu Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Novo Theatre, the one and only planetarium of Bangladesh leads the modern architectural structure with a tourist attraction of Dhaka city of Bangladesh. The planetarium helps people to get recreation with basic knowledge of space science. Besides the planetarium show, Ride Simulator, model of Planets of Solar System, portraits of world-renowned Scientists and Scholars, 3-D film show and some scientific exhibits are displayed in Novo Theatre.


bangabandhuThe Ministry of Science & Technology under the Government of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh established the only planetarium of the country “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novotheatre” at a cost of Taka 123 crore from GOB fund. The theater opened to the public on 25 September 2004 and located in Bijoy Sarani, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh.

To give the structural shape and scientific equipment for the planetarium a large number of advanced technological instruments have been procured from Japan, America, Korea and India. In Novo Theatre it has a well-furnished auditorium with 150 seats, a conference room with 50 seats, hydraulic lifts, ramp and a car parking area having the capacity of 100 vehicles.

The Novo Theatre, built on 5.46 acres of land, its spaces range in size from its 21-meter dome, seating 275 people; to three-meter inflatable and portable domes where people sit on the floor.

bangabandhuThe planetarium was designed by an architect Ali Imam. The Planetarium dome simulates Earth and its cool blue sky. This dome-shaped theater was built with the latest equipment, enabling visitors to soar into space as well as experience the thrills of an interplanetary journey in a three-dimensional environment. The curved ceiling represents the sky and shows moving images of planets and stars through projection onto a large-screen dome at an angle of 120 degrees.

Shows of Novo Theatre:

  • Planetarium show
  • Ride Simulator
  • 3-D film show
  • Some scientific exhibits

For the security reason Novo Theatre has some restrictions, they are_

  • Children aged less than two years are discouraged to watch planetarium show.
  • Using mobile phones.
  • Taking photographs and igniting lights are strictly prohibited during show time.
  • Nobody is allowed to enter inside while the show is going on.
  • Food is not allowed inside the theatre.


Show Schedule and Ticket Collection:
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Tickets for the show is sold at the entry gate. Price is 50 Tk each. You have to stand in queue, and one can purchase only one ticket. Although it is possible to collect advance tickets for students and institutions. Ticket selling starts usually before 2 hours of the show.

Show Time:
4 (Four) Show Per Day
Saturday to Thursday (Wednesday Closed)
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Friday:
10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Ramadan Show Time (3 show per day)

Show Time:
Saturday to Thursday (Wednesday Closed)
10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 2:00 PM
Friday:
09:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM

Contact Info:
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre
Bijoy Shoroni, Tejgoan, Dhaka-1215
Phone: 9138878
Fax: 9139888
Website: www.novotheatre.gov.bd

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Mughal architecture, Lalbagh Fort of Dhaka

lalbagh fortIn the introduction of Lalbagh fort it can be says that, it's not just a fort of Mughal Emperor, it's bears
the greatest architectural structure and most popular sign of art by the Mughal's in Bangladesh. The fort is also known as Fort Aurangabad. But people called it the Lalbagh Fort because of it's situated in the Lalbagh area of Dhaka and the bank of river Buriganga bears the rich red soil.

Unfortunately the structure was incomplete, cause of leaving Bangla of a Mughal Emperor named Prince Muhammad  Azam (3rd son of Aurangazeb) who started the work of the fort in 1678 during his vice-royality in Bangladesh (Previous Bengal). He stayed in Bangla for 15 months. It remained incomplete when he was called by his father Aurangazeb.

lalbagh fort
At that time Shaista Khan was the new Subedar of Dhaka, and he did not complete the fort. Caused of an unfortunate death of the daughter of Shaista Khan named Iran Dukht (Pari Bibi) In 1684. After her death, he started to think the fort as ominous, and left the structure incomplete. Among the 3 major parts of Lalbagh Fort, one is the tomb of Pari Bibi.



After Shaista Khan left Dhaka, it lost its popularity. The main cause was that the capital was replaced from Dhaka to Murshidabad. After the end of the royal Mughal period, the fort became abandoned. In 1844, the area achieved its name as Lalbagh replacing Aurangabad, so the fort as Lalbagh Fort.

lalbagh fort
Lalbagh Fort is also the witness of the revolt of the native soldiers against the British during the Great Rebellion of 1857. As in the Red Fort in India, they were defeated by the force led by the East India Company. They and the soldiers who fled from Meerat were hanged to death in the Victoria Park. In 1858 the declaration of Queen Victoria of taking over the administrative control of India from the Company was read out at the Victoria park, declaration renamed Bahadur Shah Park after the name of the last Mughal Emperor who led that greatest rebellion against then British empire.


Structural layout :
The fort was long considered to be a combination of three buildings:
The mosque;
The Tomb of Bibi Pari; and
The Diwan-I-Aam, comprising two gateways and a portion of the partly damaged fortification wall.
Recent excavations carried out by the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh, however, have revealed the existence of other structures, and it is now possible to have a more or less complete picture of the fort.

lalbagh fortFrom past to present the mosque is still now used for praying. Its structure and the interior designs are great. People get amazed by seeing this kind of royal art. Many Islamic art and wall designs are preserved there.

lalbagh fort
The Mausoleum of Pari Bibi is extraordinary because of its materials of construction: black basalt, colours have been used to decorate its interior, while the central chamber, where Pari Bibi is buried, is entirely veneered with white marble.

white marble and encaustic tiles of various

lalbagh fort
Diwan-I-Aam is the greatest part of Lalbagh Fort. It is the only monument where anyone can enter. It was used as office at that time. Diwan-i-aam is the place from where the Mughal Emperor gave directions to the normal people once in a week. There is also a royal bathroom house known as hammam.

The total area of Lalbagh fort there are also Royal garden and drainage system. After a certain time, Mughal emperor Aurangazeb donated the fort to Shasta khan in memory of his daughter Pari Bibi. The successor of Shaista khan got revenue after his death by leasing the fort to the government. After 1853 the cantonment was replaced in Lalbagh Fort from Purana Paltan. Almost 3 million people visit this place every year.

Visiting hours:
April to September
Tuesday to Saturday : 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM & Leisure time : 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM 
Friday : 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM 
Monday : 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM 


October to March
Tuesday to Saturday : 
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM & Leisure time : 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM 
Friday : 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM 
Monday : 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Ahsan Manjil, the ancient attraction of Dhaka

ahsan manzilAhsan Manjil, one of the most ancient and significant architectural monuments of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. It has also historically appeared and now it's become a most popular tourist place in Dhaka city. Ahsan Manjil established on a raised platform of 1 meter, the two-storied palace measures 125.4m by 28.75m. The height of the ground floor is 5 meters and that of the first floor 5.8 meters. There are porticos of the height of the ground floor, both on the northern and southern sides of the palace. An open, spacious stairway has come down from the southern portico, extending upto the bank of the river through the front garden. There was once a fountain in the garden in front of the stairs, though it does not exist today. The spacious north and south verandas of both the floors rest on semicircular arches. The verandas and rooms are covered with marble.
ahsan manzilConstruction of Ahsan Manjil started at 1859 and completed in 1872. Abdul Ghani named it Ahsan Manzil after his son Khwaja ahsanullah. At that time the newly built palace was known as Rang Mahal and the earlier one was called Andar Mahal. On April 7, 1888, a terrible tornado caused severe damage to Ahsan Manzil, particularly the Andar Mahal that was entirely damaged. Nawab Ahsanullah rebuilt the Andar Mahal and also repaired the Rang Mahal using good quality bricks from Raniganj for this purpose. The exquisite dome of the present Rang Mahal was interposed. Ahsan Manzil was badly damaged again by the earthquake of 12 June 1897. However, Nawab Ahsanullah had it repaired again.
To construct the dome of Ahsan Manzil, the square room on the ground floor was given a round shape with brickwork in the corners. The room was then given an octagonal shape near the roof by sequences. This octagonal shape took the form of the drum of the dome. Finally, the kumud kali (buds of lotus) shaped dome was constructed by gradually slanting the eight corners to the peak. The dome is 27.13 m high from the ground.
Ahsan manjil the home of the Nawab of  Dhaka  seems the majestic pink building in Dhaka, in present days it’s now become a museum with 23 galleries displaying portraits, furniture and other objects used by the Nawab.
The palace is divided internally into two symmetrical halves on either side of the dome. A large drawing room is in the east wing of the first floor. In the northern side of this room there is a library and a card room, and four square rooms are situated in the eastern corner of this.
On the western wing of the first floor there is a spacious Jalsaghar with a Hindustani room on the northern side and four square rooms in the western corner. The vaulted artificial ceilings, made of wood, in the drawing room and the Jalsaghar, look very exquisite. The floors of these two rooms are made of wooden planks. On the ground floor there is a big dinning hall and six square rooms in the eastern part. On the western side, there is a gigantic Darbar hall and to its north is a billiard room.
The floors of the dining and Darbar halls are decorated with white, green and yellow colored ceramic tiles. The famous strong room, where the valuables of the Nawabs used to be stored, was in the middle of the five rooms located in the western half of the ground floor.
ahsan manzilThere are attractive wooden stairs in the room that is attached to the north of the domed room. The balusters were ornamented with vine leaves made of iron along the railing of the stairs. The wooden ceiling of the room, decorated with geometric designs, is very elegant. A visitor's book bound in gold used to be kept by the stairs during the halcyon days of the Nawabs. Distinguished visitors to the palace would note down their observations.
The thickness of the walls of the palace is about 0.78 meters. The doorways are placed within semicircular arches. The inner doors had multi-colored glasses and the exterior ones were of wood with designs. Wooden beams supported the roof of these rooms.
The height of the two-storeyed inner house is less than the height of the Rang Mahal. Nevertheless, the wide southern verandas on both floors and the parapet on top offer a delicate look that is in harmony with the Rang Mahal. Iron beams have been used in constructing the roof.
Ahsan Manzil, an architectural treasure, is a witness to many historical events in Bangladesh. From the last part of the 19th century to the initial years of Pakistan, the Muslim leadership of East Bengal emerged from this palace. The Nawabs of Dhaka used to conduct their court affairs here as chief of the panchayet (village council) every day. Many anti-Congress meetings were held here under the patronisation of Nawab Ahsanullah, a staunch believer in Muslim identity. Almost all the Viceroys, Governors and Lieutenant Governors of British India who visited Dhaka spent some time at the Ahsan Manzil.
In 1874, Lord Northbrook, Governor General of India attended an evening function here in the palace when he came to lay the foundation of a water works installed by Nawab Abdul Ghani. In 1888, Lord Dufferin also accepted the hospitality offered at Ahsan Manzil. In 1904 Lord Curzon, on a visit to East Bengal, stayed in this palace on 18 and 19 February to win public support for the proposed partition of Bengal.
Almost all political activities of Nawab Khwaja salmonella centered round this palace. Ahsan Manzil was the cradle of the all India Muslim League. With the decline of the Nawabs of Dhaka, Ahsan Manzil also started to decline. When in 1952 the Dhaka Nawab State was acquired under the East Bengal Estate Acquisition Act, it became impossible for the successors of the Nawabs to maintain the palace due to financial constraints.
ahsan manzilNawab Khwaja Habibullah started living at Paribag Green House soon after the acquisition of the zamindari. The palace was on the verge of collapse in no time as successors rented out rooms without considering its dignity. Over the years illegal occupants turned the place into a filthy slum.

Recognizing the historical and architectural importance of the Ahsan Manzil, the government of Bangladesh took the initiative to renovate it. In 1985 Ahsan Manzil and its surroundings were acquired. After the completion of the renovation work in 1992 under the supervision of the Directorate of Public Works and Architecture, it was brought under the control of Bangladesh national museum (20 September 1992). A museum has been established there.
In summary_
Name : Ahsan Manjil Museum
Location : Kumartoli, Shakara Waiz Ghat Bazar Old Dhaka, Bangladesh
Opening : 
April to September- Saturday to Wednesday : ( 10.00 AM – 18.00 PM)
October to March- Saturday to Wednesday : ( 9.00AM-17.00PM)
Friday: (3.00 PM-8.00PM)
Holidays: Thursday and government holidays.