Poor maintenance leaves Ahsan Manzil in disarray

High turnout of visitors has turned Ahsan Manzil into a spectacular tourist spot in the capital city of Dhaka. Around 2,000 people visit the palace every day and on Fridays and Saturdays, it goes up to 7,000, claim authorities. As the visitors had been expressing disappointment over the maintenance of Ahsan Manzil, authorities concerned have taken up various projects to upgrade the infrastructure of the historical monument in the country. The renovation work of another portion of the palace will be completed shortly, in line with the expectation of the visitors. In 1952, the Dhaka Nawab State was acquired under the East Bengal Estate Acquisition Act, and it became difficult for the successors of the Nawabs to maintain the palace due to financial constraints. The palace was on the verge of collapse, as it was let out for commercial purposes by the authorities without considering its historic importance. Over the years illegal occupants have turned the monument into a filthy place. Later, the Government of Bangladesh took the initiative to renovate it. 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 the Bangladesh National Museum (20 September 1992), and it was turned into a museum with 23 galleries displaying portraits, furniture and other objects used by the Nawabs.  Humayun Malik, Deputy Keeper (in charge) of Ahsan Manzil Museum, informed that under the Cultural Affair Ministry, Ahsan Manzil turned into a museum primarily to protect the historical artefacts.
On the visitors’ turnout, Malik said around 2,000 visitors come here every day and high turnout of local tourists is witnessed on Fridays and Saturdays. As it is the only place to spend free time in the area, people in nearby areas came here mostly. He also said that foreign tourist turnout is also notable. If a group of foreign tourists want to visit the Pink Palace, there is an option of Tourist Police escort for their security under special arrangement.
Prof AHMA Saleque, Principal of a government college, who came with his family to visit the palace, said he had first visited it some 15 years ago, but there have not been much positive changes around.  He, however, said that the palace has not been maintained well. His wife said the authorities should also open the adjoining building to the visitors. Deputy Keeper Humayun Malik said the palace is divided into two symmetrical halves on either side of the dome having excellent work of architecture. The eastern side with dome is known as Rang Mahal is open to visitors and being used as the museum.

 

Poor maintenance leaves Ahsan Manzil in disarray

High turnout of visitors has turned Ahsan Manzil into a spectacular tourist spot in the capital city of Dhaka. Around 2,000 people visit the palace every day and on Fridays and Saturdays, it goes up to 7,000, claim authorities. As the visitors had been expressing disappointment over the maintenance of Ahsan Manzil, authorities concerned have taken up various projects to upgrade the infrastructure of the historical monument in the country. The renovation work of another portion of the palace will be completed shortly, in line with the expectation of the visitors. In 1952, the Dhaka Nawab State was acquired under the East Bengal Estate Acquisition Act, and it became difficult for the successors of the Nawabs to maintain the palace due to financial constraints. The palace was on the verge of collapse, as it was let out for commercial purposes by the authorities without considering its historic importance. Over the years illegal occupants have turned the monument into a filthy place. Later, the Government of Bangladesh took the initiative to renovate it. 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 the Bangladesh National Museum (20 September 1992), and it was turned into a museum with 23 galleries displaying portraits, furniture and other objects used by the Nawabs. Humayun Malik, Deputy Keeper (in charge) of Ahsan Manzil Museum, informed that under the Cultural Affair Ministry, Ahsan Manzil turned into a museum primarily to protect the historical artefacts. On the visitors turnout, Malik said around 2,000 visitors come here every day and high turnout of local tourists is witnessed on Fridays and Saturdays. As it is the only place to spend free time in the area, people in nearby areas came here mostly. He also said that foreign tourist turnout is also notable. If a group of foreign tourists want to visit the Pink Palace, there is an option of Tourist Police escort for their security under special arrangement. Prof AHMA Saleque, Principal of a government college, who came with his family to visit the palace, said he had first visited it some 15 years ago, but there have not been much positive changes around. He, however, said that the palace has not been maintained well. His wife said the authorities should also open the adjoining building to the visitors. Deputy Keeper Humayun Malik said the palace is divided into two symmetrical halves on either side of the dome having excellent work of architecture. The eastern side with dome is known as Rang Mahal is open to visitors and being used as the museum.