Rose Garden Palace

Rose Garden Palace is a prominent building and garden in Tikatully of Old Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was originally built for Hrikesh Das the Hindu Zaminder of Dhaka as a pleasure lodge. It is currently owned by Khan Bahadur Kazi Family. It is undergoing renovation and retains landmark status in Bangladesh. It is popularly known as "ROSE GARDEN" & "Humayun Shaheber Bari".

The garden is located at the end of K.M. Das Lane of Tikatuli near Motijheel area.

History

The Rose Garden Palace was created by a Hindu zamindar Hrikesh Das in the late 19th century. Around that time jalsas (parties) held at Baldha Garden were an important part of the social life of the city's wealthier Hindu residents. The story goes that Hrishikesh Das, a zamindar of lower caste background, being insulted on this account by someone at one of the jalsas at Baldha Garden, decided to create his own garden to outshine that of Baldha. Here he staged jalsas of his own. The centerpiece of the garden is an elegant pavilion. However, this was not created as a residence, but rather a setting for entertainment such as musical performances (although subsequent owners did use it as a house). This extravagant lifestyle caused Mr. Das to go bankrupt and he was forced to sell the property.

The Palace was bought by Khan Bahadur Kazi Abdur Rashid,from Hrikesh Das in 1936 and renamed the building Rashid Manzil.

Khan Bahadur Kazi Abdur Rashid Left behind three sons and two daughters, His eldest son Kazi Mohammed Bashir (Humayun Shaheb)who carried his name and fame until this generation. This palace is also known as Humayun Shaheber Bari eldest son Kazi Mohammed Bashir of Khan Bahadur Kazi Abdur Rashid, First mayor of Dhaka municipal corporation during Pakistan period(Mr Humayun's House). People continued to refer to it as Humayun Shaheber Bari till todate. The entire 'Rose Garden' compound was inherited by the second son of Khan Bahadur Kazi Abdur Rashid, Barrister Kazi Abdur Raquib. After the death of Raquib in 1995, his wife, two sons and a daughter is taking care of the compound. The building, which remains a private property to date, has been renovated by its owners keeping the original character fully maintained. If you need any information you can contact with the descendants of Khan Bahadur Abdur Rashid, and present owner Mrs Laila Raquib at landline no. 9554254 or cell no.01199803252.

In 1949, Bengali nationalists met at Rose Garden and established the Awami League. Today's all secular existing political parties in Bangladesh came from Awami League. That's why it's famous in politically too throughout Bangladesh.

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Architecture

The building has Corinthian columns and has eight apartments including a central hall on its ground floor. The upper floor has a further five apartments including a large dance hall in the middle. In the front yard, there was a fountain originally, the structure of which still remains. There are several classical marble statues in the garden, although the rose garden that gave the mansion its name does not exist anymore.

Present condition

Visitors are allowed to visit the place as an afternoon refreshment spot. The owners mentioned that they wish to maintain the building and they have no plans to use them as their residential quarters nor to make this a profit-based tourist spot.

Book on Rose Garden Palace

Hamiduzzaman Khan, a sculptor and painter, has illustrated a book called Rose Garden. The book contains sketches in pen-and-ink, crayon and watercolour of this landmark property. The text has been written in English by Kazi Ahmed Sajed.

See also

• List of Palaces
• Awami League
• Old Dhaka
• Tajhat Palace
• Ahsan Manzil