OLD DHAKA — On the narrowest street of the old city, where conch-shell artisans have hammered for 300 years, scaffolding now wraps five crumbling mansions — the first batch of a landmark restoration of Shakhari Bazar.
The project pairs RAJUK engineers with hereditary craftsmen, using original lime-surki mortar, Burmese teak and encaustic tiles salvaged from demolished homes. 'We are not renovating. We are healing,' said conservation architect Dr. Abu Sayeed.
Residents, many eighth-generation Shankharis, will keep their homes under a heritage covenant. A craft museum and rooftop café trail are planned. 'Tourists go to Lalbagh Fort. But the real Mughal Dhaka lives here — in these courtyards, these bells,' said community elder Haripada Shankha.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Heritage Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
