US Ambassador Peter Haas and State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid on Wednesday unveiled the recently renovated Mughal Hammam Khana at the Lalbagh Fort in Old Dhaka. 

Inaugurated in March 2021, this two-year initiative, funded through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), supported the $185,933 (Tk 2 crore) projects for restoration and architectural documentation of the Mughal Hammam Khana, one of three primary structures at the Lalbagh Fort complex dating back to the 17th century.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the “Restoring, Retrofitting, and 3D Architectural Documentation of Historical Mughal-era Hammam Khana at Lalbagh Fort,” Ambassador Haas said, “Promoting cultural diversity, supporting freedom of expression, and preserving cultural heritage around the world are priorities for the United States.  All of us must work together and protect the richness of our cultural heritage for future generations.”

The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) is among the U.S. government’s most significant cultural initiatives abroad. 

In the past 20 years, the United States has supported 11 AFCP projects in Bangladesh at a total value of over $576,000 (6 crore taka) to preserve and restore its cultural heritage and patrimony.