Panam Nagar, a deserted town located near Sonargaon, Narayanganj is a distinctive example of early urban settlement in Bengal and it is considered one of the prosperous capital cities in medieval Bengal. This town was initially constructed by the Hindu merchants towards the end of the 19th century with richly detailed buildings which tells us about the life and culture of our past. A medieval philosopher called Sharfuddin Abu Tawwamah established the area as an Islamic academic centre by building a Madrasa and Khanqah, a spiritual retreat for Sufi religious gatherings.
After the Partition of Bengal in 1947 and during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, most of the owners, the minority Hindus, shifted to West Bengal or other parts of India. In 1965, the government passed an order by which the property of those minorities was declared 'Enemy Property'. From then the township is owned by the government. In March 2003, Panam Nagar area was marked for protection and conservation under the Antiquities Ordinance of 1968.
Boro Sardarbari is one of the most significant structures at 800-plus-year-old Panam Nagar in Sonargaon of Narayanganj. Abu Sayeed, President of the Institute of Architects, who is in charge of the renovation, told last year that the government has planned to set up a museum there.
"The new paint has made the building less appealing and takes away the historical importance," said Rahela Akter, a visitor. "The place remains overcrowded on the weekends. This historical place has turned into a picnic spot and I don't like the idea of it," she added.
Some foreign visitors were found while roaming around and exploring the beauties. "I loved Panam city most. The antique beauty makes me nostalgic. While exploring Panam city, it feels like I am revisiting the history," said Catherine Brown, a British who came to explore the city. "The Boro Sardarbari is also beautiful. I must appreciate the government's effort to renovate it. But somehow, it did not seem antique. However, the place is really beautiful with the scenic natural beauty," she added.
"It is believed that the building was constructed during the regime of Musa Khan, son of Isa Khan. The designs inside Sardarbari were made in imitation of Musa Khan. The authorities and the craftsmen are trying their best to renovate the buildings to get back its glorious, ancient original look," said one of the authorities.
Very soon the entrance will be opened for all. Let's see how the whole renovation will look.
Other Places to roam in Sonargaon
Goaldi Mosque: A small mosque built by Mullah Hisabar Akbar in 1519. It has been fairly well-maintained by the government. The tourists are welcome to visit it in a respectful manner. There is another mosque about 50 metres away, built during the Mughal era.
Mosque and Tomb of Mohammad Yusuf: It is an old mosque built to honour a Sufi saint, along with his tomb. It was built in 1700.
Tomb of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah: It is the oldest surviving Muslim monument in the country. It is the resting place of the independent sultan. Although the site carries a lot of history, it doesn't carry any real historical architecture and it looks average.
Panch Pir Dargah: Tombs of sufi saints from 17th century is a good place to explore.
Shiva Shrine: In the North of Panam city, there is a tall Hindu shiva shrine.
