CDA moves to preserve 76 historic structures in Ctg

The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has taken an initiative to preserve the port city's historic structures. A total of 76 sites—including century-old residences, hilltop buildings, colonial-era architecture, religious landmarks, and notable public spaces—have been listed for inclusion in the new masterplan.

Officials said the list will be reviewed and finalised as a "heritage map" by June next year, which will then guide all future development and construction decisions in the city.

Chattogram is home to many architectural relics from the British colonial era, the Sultanate period, Hindu zamindari estates, Islamic tradition and European culture. Many of these structures, however, have long suffered from neglect—some weakened structurally, some encroached upon, and others altered beyond their original form.

According to the list, the 76 structures include eight dargahs, 17 mosques, eight temples, two churches, a pagoda, several old bridges, colonial-era clubs, cemeteries, hilltop bungalows, administrative buildings, former offices, zamindar houses, and significant public spaces tied to the city's political history.

The list carries additional importance from the perspectives of tourism, interfaith harmony, and cultural diversity. Many of the structures stand as symbols of the city's long-standing coexistence of faiths—mosques, temples, churches, and dargahs located in close proximity. Sites such as the shrine of Badar Auliya, the European Club, Muradpur Christian Cemetery, and Laldighi Maidan each represent unique layers of Chattogram's urban identity.

Historians point out that CRB represents the core of colonial administrative heritage, while Laldighi stands as a prominent symbol of Chattogram's political history. Hati Banglo showcases the city's distinctive hill architecture, and the European Club preserves the memory of Pritilata Waddedar's armed resistance. 

CDA has also included several historic structures from neighbouring upazilas. Among them are seven British-era zamindar estates that reflect the region's economic history, the evolution of the zamindari system, and colonial governance.

Engineer Abu Isa Ansari, CDA's deputy chief urban planner and head of the masterplan project, told The Business Standard that each structure was evaluated on three criteria: historical significance, structural integrity, and spatial context. These standards align with guidelines of the Department of Archaeology and international heritage conservation bodies, he noted.

"The list will be properly documented and shared with relevant institutions so they can take necessary steps to preserve their respective sites," he said. 

"Once included in the masterplan, the risk of alteration or demolition will decrease significantly. Our goal is to protect these structures for future generations. After incorporation, separate restoration projects can be undertaken for each site," he added.

CDA's initiative is expected to pave the way for meaningful conservation of these historic landmarks, ensuring future generations can better appreciate the city's layered past.