Understand
[edit]Situated on the Titas River, Brahmanbaria has long been a river port and is one of Bangladesh's oldest municipalities since the dissolution of the East India Company, with its founding in 1868. It is a center of muslin production. Its Akhaura railroad junction is reportedly the largest in the country, and similarly its Port of Ashuganj is slated to become the largest port by 2030.
Interestingly, prior to these more modern developments, a nearby town named Sarail was the home of the important Baro-Bhuiyan zamindar, Isa Khan, who effectively prevented the Mughal empire from conquering the area until his death in the 16th century. Later, when Mughal rule became extent, lasting testaments of their presence like the Hatirpul elephant bridge and Arifil Mosque were built during the 1600s.
Get in
[edit]Brahmanbaria is readily accessed via the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway (N2).
Get around
[edit]See
[edit]- 1 Faruki Park. Here among foliage and laughing children and benches, you'll find a monument to the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Further north next to the Annada Govt High School is one of the country's ubiquitous Shaheed Minars commemorating the same.
- 2 Kal Bhairab Temple, Brahmanbaria Sadar subdistrict (Medda village). A temple built in the 19th century, dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. Present next to the temple is a 28-foot tall statue of Shiva, assumed to be the largest in the world. It is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivites from across the region.
- 3 Al-Jamia Islamia Younousia Madrasa Masjid, Kandipara St, ☏ +880 1715 996311. Daily 9AM-9PM. Claimed to be among the country's largest masjids, it was built in 1912. Can be appreciated from outside.
- 4 Hatirpul (on north side of N2 Dhaka-Sylhet Highway). This bridge was constructed by order of Shahbaz Khan in 1650 for the passage of elephants and also served as a meeting place for Mughal dewans.
- 5 Arifil Mosque. Intricate mosque built by Shah Arif in 1662, of Mughal architectural design that incorporates Bengali, Persian and Islamic influences. Interestingly, this served as the capital of Tripura State during the rule of Isa Khan, and his wives are buried in tombs adjacent to the structure.
- 6 Gokarna Nawab Bari Complex (in Nasirnagar). A historic home built by Nawab Sir Syed Shamsul Huda.
- 7 Kharampur Mazar Sharif (in Akhaura). Burial place of a militiaman who helped to conquer Hindu king Gour Govinda and his Sylhet kingdom, who thence took residence in Akhaura and helped to propagate Islam as part of a broader endeavor across eastern Bengal, supplanting Hinduism.
- 8 Haripur Barabari. Hindu palace and temple built by Jamindar Choudhury during the 19th century that interestingly even has a wharf on a river.
Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]- 1 Kasba Border Haat (next to Kasbah). A market occurring one day of the week for trade between Bangladesh and India.
Eat
[edit]- Titas Hotel & Restaurant, Near Titas River (inside oldest ferry terminal port area).
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hotel Titas View, K Das Road, ☏ +880 1971 566533. A best option is to stay at this nice hotel which have some 20 different type of guest rooms and offers four star facilities to its guests. Popular Coffee Shop Restaurant is located inside the resort.
- 2 Grand A. Malek, Masjid Rd, ☏ +880 1715 410753.