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CHATTOGRAM, May 3, 2026 (BSS): Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) is working to preserve over 105 historical and heritage structures here. 
 
A list of these structures has been compiled for preservation to safeguard the city's rich history. The organization has identified 105 structures to be preserved as part of the new master plan. Of these, 53 are located in the city area, while more than 52 are spread across various upazilas in the district.
 
The city of Chattogram is home to a variety of historical sites such as old houses, mosques, temples, churches, monasteries, bridges, lighthouses, and zamindarbari. These structures bear witness to the city's history from the Sultanate period to the British period. The master plan also includes proposals for creating a tourist map, installing digital information boards, and developing infrastructure around these heritage sites.
 
Engineer Abu Isa Ansari, the Deputy Chief Urban Planner and Master Plan Project Officer of the CDA, confirmed these plans on Sunday. He emphasized that Chattogram, being a port city, not only serves as the economic hub but also stands as a living museum reflecting thousands of years of history, culture, and architecture of Bengal. He expressed concern that urbanization, neglect, and natural disasters are threatening the city's historical roots.
 
As part of the Chattogram Metropolitan Master Plan Project, a working paper titled "Identification and Conservation of Archaeological Heritage Sites" has been prepared. This initiative aims to safeguard the city's archaeological treasures and ensure their preservation for future generations. 
 
The CDA sources have identified several notable structures in Chattogram, including the 131-year-old 'Elephant Bungalow' and the 'CRB Bhaban' built in 1872, currently serving as the office of the General Manager of Bangladesh Railway Eastern Zone. Other significant structures on the list are the Court Building, Oli Beg Khan Jame Mosque, Laldighi Maidan, Old Circuit House (now Zia Memorial Museum), CRB Sirishtala, Kalurghat Bridge, Pahartali European Club, Chandanpura Mosque, and Badr Aulia Dargah. Additionally, historical mosques, temples, landlord houses, and railway structures in various areas like Andarqilla, Pathantuli, Chawkbazar, Pahartali, Chandgaon, and Katalganj have been included in the list.
 
Outside the city, notable structures such as Hathazari's Oli Khan Mosque and Hamza Khan Mosque, Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah's Dighi and Mosque, Fatehabad abandoned Kachari, Hathazari air base, and various landlord houses have been recognized. Other landmarks include Anwara's Norman's Point Lighthouse, Parikoda Buddhist Temple, Deyang Pahar, Prasanna Kumar Roy Zamindar Bari, Bandargram Lighthouse, Kadalpur Mosque, Sahib Bibi Jame Mosque, Jagatpur Temple, Master Da Surya Sen Memorial, Rangunia's first shrine of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, Chakma Rajbari, Surya Sen Memorial and Zamindar Bari in Boalkhali, Kumira Hammadia Mosque in Sitakunda, Uttar Salimpur Bishnu Temple, Jafar Nagar Chowdhury Bari and Vishnu Temple, pagodas, ashrams, and Zamindar Bari in various upazilas, showcasing the diverse religious and social traditions of Chattogram.
 
The Master Plan Project Officer Engineer Ansari from CDA stated that over 105 historical structures and sites have been identified as significant remnants of lost history within the Chattogram Metropolitan Master Plan Project. 
Documentation and evidence of these sites have been compiled, and a comprehensive action plan has been developed to safeguard them.
 
The approach taken goes beyond mere restoration or technical preservation. The aim is to integrate heritage into the daily lives, culture, and economic activities of the people, fostering a harmonious development of culture and economy.
 
The selection of these sites was based on three criteria: historical significance, structural integrity, and cultural relevance, aligning with the standards of the Department of Archaeology and international heritage conservation bodies. By prioritizing the preservation of Chattogram's historical and cultural heritage, the project envisions a future urban development that embraces sustainable and prosperous urbanization while honoring the heritage of the past. 
 
He also mentioned that the list of historical structures will be shared with relevant institutions to ensure their preservation. If these structures are included in the master plan, those will be safeguarded from potential destruction and can be reconstructed in future projects.
 
The verification process is expected to be completed by December, after which conservation and development activities will commence. 
 
Dr. Debashish Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Chattogram University, praised the timely initiative, emphasizing the city's historical significance due to its geographical location. Proper preservation of these structures will allow the younger generation to experience history firsthand and boost the country's tourism industry.