The historic Dhaka gate, also known as Mir Jumla gate, has got a new life as the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has renovated the heritage site to take it back to its original grandeur and stop the further decay.
The iconic Mughal architecture, which was on the brink of ruin owing to negligence and a lack of proper maintenance, will be cared for sincerely from now on, according to the DSCC.

The 350-year-old historic site, once regarded as the gateway to Dhaka, is located on the Bangla Academy-Doel Chattar road near the shrine of three leaders in the Dhaka University area.
A team of archeology experts led by University of Asia Pacific Professor Abu Sayeed M Ahmed carried out the renovation.

During a visit to this archeological site on Monday, it was seen that the renovation of the gate was almost finished.

Besides, the Mir Jumla’s cannon,   which was previously in the Osmani Udyan, has also been placed next to the gate. The gate will soon be inaugurated, said those involved in the renovation project.
According to historians, Mir Jumla, the Mughal governor of Bengal, had built the gate to secure Dhaka and its residents from the attacks of Magh pirates. The gate, during the Mughal period, had served as an entry point to the city through the river Buriganga.

After the decline of the Mughal empire, Dhaka had experienced a significant loss of its grandeur, and the gate had nearly fallen into ruins.
According to archeologists, British magistrate of Dhaka Charles D’Oyly had rebuilt the gate at the end of 1800. Architect Khaled Shams Khan, who is in charge of the renovation work, told the Daily Sun, “Our work is almost done. The gate will soon be inaugurated after receiving permission from the DSCC.”

“We have renovated the site maintaining its original shape. It has been renovated with the same materials that were used at the time of construction of the historic gate,” he said.
During the visit, it was seen that adequate lighting has been provided at the gate. Besides, seating arrangements have been made around it.
The DSCC will also employ security guards to look after this historic site.

“The renovation of the Dhaka gate is almost finished. It is scheduled to be inaugurated this month,” said Md AsaduzzamanAsad, councilor of DSCC Ward No 21. “We wanted to inaugurate it on the 17th of this month but it was not possible as the contractor could not hand over the site,” he added.

Councilor Asad said the DSCC will vigilantly take care of the historic site, adding that if anyone puts up a poster here, the city corporation will take legal action against him or her.
He further said this was the original entrance of Dhaka. “Old Dhaka started from here. A historical nameplate will also be installed here so that foreign tourists can know about the ancient history of Dhaka,” he added.

Appreciating the renovation of the Dhaka gate, the city dwellers said other historical structures of the capital city should also be renovated and maintained the same way.
SakhawatHosain, a student at Dhaka University, said, “There is no alternative to such an initiative to preserve Dhaka’s historical heritage. Such well-planned renovation and preservation initiatives should also be taken for other historical structures of Dhaka.”