Located in Shibaloy Upazila of Manikganj, the Teota Zamindar (landlord) Bari is believed to be at least 300 years old. Tobacco merchant Panchanan Sen established the splendid palatial building in around 1700 AD.

The palace was built on nearly seven acres of land, housing 55 rooms. A 75-foot-high Noborotno Temple was established in front of it in 1858, according to a government website.

Teota Zamindar Bari. Photo: Dr Shamim Ahmed

But the once-architectural masterpiece—the palace—is now in an extremely dilapidated condition, thanks to sheer negligence by the authorities concerned.

The northern part of the palace is called Hem Shankar Estate, while the southern one is named after Jai Shankar. Both were zamindars.

Each of the estates had a pond and a temple.

However, a large pond (locally known as a dighi) could still be found there today, but in a neglected state.

Teota Zamindar Bari. Photo: Dr Shamim Ahmed

Teota Zamindar Bari has yet another historical feature: the rumoured romantic affair between national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and his beloved wife, Promila Debi. Strangely, many of us are not even aware of it.

The facility was, in fact, the house of Promila’s father, Basanta Sen. His nephew, Biren Sen, was a very close friend of Nazrul, and that was the reason for the poet’s frequent visits there.

Over time, the two lovebirds got closer, and their bonding became stronger with each passing year before they finally got married.

Enchanted by the beauty of Promila Debi, Kazi Nazrul penned the romantic lines: “You are so beautiful; that’s why I stare at you, darling. Is this my fault?”

The Zamindars left for India after the partition of India in 1947, leaving the palace abandoned.

What’s done for it?

The Department of Archaeology has done its duty by just constructing a tiled mural of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Promila Debi on the premises of the palace adjoining the road.

Access to the entire premises, including the open field, is free for all motorbikes parked there indiscriminately.

There are no fences or gates and there is no security guard. Much to the surprise of many, the palace does not even have a caretaker.

As it draws a good number of tourists from home and abroad, mobile food vendors roam there freely to run their businesses.

Teota Zamindar Bari. Photo: Dr Shamim Ahmed

No wonder cattle also graze there freely, clearly depicting how neglected the historic site has been over the years.

Considering the overall situation, I’m earnestly requesting public and private universities and banks, multinational organizations, trade bodies, voluntary organizations, law enforcers, and the media to help protect and restore these heritage buildings.

Let us try to preserve these buildings of immense architectural grandeur and rich history. We must not forget that the palace is such a crucial part of our national heritage.