Curzon Hall
Dhaka
Curzon Hall, located in the Shahbagh area of Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a distinguished British Raj-era building originally constructed between 1904 and 1908. Initially intended as a town hall and later used as a college library, it was named after Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India who laid its foundation stone in 1904. After the establishment of the University of Dhaka in 1921, Curzon Hall became the home of the university's Faculty of Sciences, marking it as a center for academic excellence. The building is notable not only for its colonial architectural style but also for its role in the Bengali language movement between 1948 and 1956, where students protested against the imposition of Urdu as the sole state language. The university's Botanical Garden is also situated on its premises, serving as a vital resource for botanical studies. Curzon Hall remains a symbol of educational heritage and cultural identity in Bangladesh.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit Curzon Hall during the cooler months from November to February to avoid Dhaka's intense summer heat. While the building is accessible as part of the University of Dhaka campus, checking university schedules for open hours or special events is recommended. Entry to the Botanical Garden may require prior permission, and visitors interested in the language movement history might find guided tours or university exhibitions insightful. Purchasing tickets in advance is generally not necessary, but group visits should be coordinated with university authorities. Discounts may be available for students or educational groups.
Interesting facts
- •Curzon Hall was originally planned as a town hall but was repurposed as a college library and later a university faculty building.
- •The foundation stone was laid by Lord Curzon himself on 19 February 1904.
- •The building became a focal point during the Bengali language movement, hosting key student protests against language policies in Pakistan.
- •The Botanical Garden located on the premises is actively used for teaching and scientific research in botany.
- •The princes of Bhawal Estate financed the building with a significant donation of 0.15 million rupees during the British era.
History
Curzon Hall's foundation stone was laid by Lord Curzon in 1904, originally intended as a town hall and later planned as a college library near Dhaka College's relocated site.
Construction finished in 1908 during the British colonial period.
After the Partition of Bengal in 1905, Dhaka became the capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam, increasing Curzon Hall's prominence.
Following the abolition of the partition in 1911, Dhaka College classes were held there until the University of Dhaka was established in 1921, when Curzon Hall became the science faculty's base.
The building also played a significant role during the Bengali language movement from 1948 to 1956, serving as a center for student protests against the imposition of Urdu as the sole state language after the 1947 Partition of India.
Place Guide
Main Building Architecture1904-1908
Curzon Hall features British Raj colonial architecture with distinctive design elements reflecting early 20th-century British institutional style, including grand facades and spacious interiors.
Faculty of SciencesSince 1921
The Faculty of Sciences at the University of Dhaka is housed within Curzon Hall, offering classrooms and laboratories for various scientific disciplines.
Botanical Garden
Situated on the Curzon Hall premises, the Botanical Garden serves as a living laboratory for students and faculty, supporting botanical education and research.
