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Hajiganj Fort: A Mughal-Era River Fortress

Explore Hajiganj Fort, a historic Mughal-era river fortress in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, and discover its rich maritime past.

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Hajiganj Fort, also known as Khizrpur Fort, is a 17th-century Mughal fort on the western bank of the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. Built to defend against pirates, it offers a glimpse into the region's rich maritime history and Mughal military architecture.

A brief summary to Hajiganj Fort

  • JGM7+C5G, Narayanganj, BD
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces while exploring the fort.
  • Visit during the cooler months (November to February) for a more pleasant experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby attractions in Narayanganj, such as Sonakanda Fort or Panam City.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dhaka, take a bus to Narayanganj. Buses are available from Gulistan and other major bus terminals. The fare is approximately 40 BDT. From Narayanganj Chashara, take a rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw to Hajiganj Fort, locally known as 'Kella'. The ride should cost around 15-20 BDT per person.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Dhaka, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/ পাঠাও) to Hajiganj Fort is a convenient option. The cost ranges from 1,087 to 1,944 BDT, depending on the class of service. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Once in Narayanganj, follow local signs to the fort.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the central Narayanganj area, Hajiganj Fort is easily accessible by foot. From Chashara, it's approximately a 20-30 minute walk. Follow the main road towards the river and look for signs indicating the fort. Be mindful of traffic and road conditions.

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Discover more about Hajiganj Fort

Hajiganj Fort, strategically positioned in Narayanganj on the western bank of the Shitalakshya River, stands as a testament to Mughal military architecture and Bengal's vulnerability to riverine attacks. Also known as Khizrpur Fort, its construction is attributed to either Islam Khan I around 1610 or Mir Jumla around 1650, during their respective tenures as Mughal Subahdar (governor) of Bengal. The fort was erected to thwart the incursions of Magh and Portuguese pirates, who frequently raided the region's prosperous settlements. The fort's design reflects its primary function as a water fort. The quadrangular structure features a pentagonal curtain wall equipped with machicolations for muskets and rounded corner bastions. A notable feature is the single gateway facing the river, suggesting that the river was the fort's primary access point. The gateway is adorned with engraved rectangular arches and a lotus finial. Inside, a 1.22-meter high rampart walkway lines the inner side of the curtain wall, punctuated by musketry holes. Each bastion contains a staircase leading to the rampart level, with wider openings in the merlons designed for cannon fire. A tall, square brick column in one corner likely served as a guard tower. Today, Hajiganj Fort is under the purview of the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh, which has undertaken renovation efforts to preserve this historical treasure. While the fort has suffered from neglect over time, it remains an imposing structure that evokes a sense of the region's past. Visitors can explore the ramparts, observe the architectural details, and imagine the lives of the soldiers who once defended this strategic outpost. The fort is located in the center of Narayanganj, making it easily accessible.

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