An elegant building, popularly known for its deep red colour, is situated at Farashganj on the north bank of the Buriganga River. It was originally built in late 19th century as a Town Hall (then known as Northbrook Hall) in connection with the visit of the Governor General of India, George Baring Northbrook (1872-1876), to Dhaka. It was later renamed after Northbrook.
Northbrook Hall combines elements of Mughal architecture blended with architectural styles of the European Renaissance. The building's semi-circular horseshoe, the four octagonal minars with the deep red colour presents a magnificent view from the riverfront.
I have visited the building a number of times recently. Lalkuthi has lost its attraction and is now in ruins. The colours have faded, no longer completely red, rather dirty, depressed with doors and windows found broken. The main building is under lock and key and was not opened for years. The premises remain dirty and littered with rubbish of all kinds. The garden wears a desolate look and is not worth mentioning. However, one may find an exhibition of worn-down city corporation wheel burrows and other appliances in the garden. In the evening, the premises is a haven for the addicts, drug peddlers and people who are engaged in gambling, robbery and all types of anti-social activities.
CourtesyThe library on the premises used to be a major reading centre for the people of Old Dhaka is now under lock and key. Years of negligence and mismanagement with encroachment by powerful land grabbers has made the situation complicated. The premises is encroached by the Dhaka South City Corporation Councilor office on the right side. On the left side is the reputed Farashganj Club. These are used for political, social and cultural gatherings, thus further obstructing the splendid beauty of the Lalkuthi.
It may be recalled that Dhaka Municipality had arranged a civic reception for Poet Rabindranath Tagore in February 1926 in Lalkuthi.
The building needs immediate attention of all concerned. For restoration, any of the 60 private/public banks, 60 private/public universities, Army, RAB, BGB, and organisations like Brac/Grameen Bank should come forward to restore and preserve the heritage building. The Aga Khan Architecture Fund, Ispahani, French Embassy, and Italian Embassy may be approached to name a few.
CourtesyThe honourable mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, in an address at a gathering in 2020, mentioned that Lalkuthi is a part of Dhaka's heritage and reiterated willingness to have the building restored.
The Department of Archaeology has identified it as a protected monument. But displaying such a signboard does not serve any purpose. I would say the Department of Archaeology has failed miserably to conserve and maintain this historical monument of immense historical and architectural values. There is an urgent need to recover, renovate and preserve these structures which speak of our rich architectural and cultural heritage. Lalkuthi could be one of the top tourist destinations in the city. Let us all try to save and conserve and promote our rich heritage.
The writer is a passionate traveler and photographer, senior public health and nutrition consultant and former Country Representative, Johns Hopkins University, Bangladesh.
