Saturia Zamindar Bari Jhalakathi

Saturia Zamindar Bari, the birthplace of AKM Fazlul Haque, known as the Tiger of Bengal, is located in Rajapur Upazila, 21 km from Jhalkathi in the southern part of Barisal . In the 17th century, Fazlul Haque's maternal grandfather Sheikh Shahabuddin established this zamindar house on 100 acres of land in Saturia. The zamindar bari compound built in Mughal architecture consists of 3 buildings. The entrance to the compound is through the main gate with carved carvings. Inside the main house, flower gardens, ponds and elaborate Mughal period buildings add to the beauty of the house.

On October 26, 1873, Sherbangla AKM Fazlul Haque was born in this Saturia zamindar house. His institutional education started from the Maktab of Saturia Zamindar Bari. And most of his working and political life was spent in this zamindar house.

The historic Saturia zamindar house has survived as a witness to many brilliant events in history. Currently under the Bangladesh Directorate of Archaeology, some buildings including the Sher Bangla Memorial Library have been constructed in this zamindar house.

Being a coastal and riverine region, sea route is most convenient for Jhalakathi. From Dhaka's Sadarghat, Sundarban 2, MV Farhan-7, TS Masud, TS Ostrich, TS Lepcha etc. can be reached by launch and steamer at Rajapur Ghat. Launch fare from Dhaka to Rajapur is Tk 190 to Tk 1,600 depending on the category. Get off at Rajapur Ghat and take any local transport to reach Saturia Zamindar House near Bekutia Ferry Ghat on Rajapur-Pirojpur Highway.

By road, from Dhaka's Syedabad or Gabtali, take BRTC, Islam Paribahan, Labiba Classic, Sugandha, Hanif, Eagle or Sakura Paribahan by ferry and reach Jhalkathi by bus or CNG to Rajapur. The bus fare will cost 550 to 900 taka. From Rajapur you can easily go to Zamindar's house by rickshaw.

In Rajapur Upazila there are some standard hotels and Zila Parishad Dak bungalows under government management. But it is better to visit Saturia Zamindar Bari for overnight stay and return to Jhalkathi from Rajapur in the evening. Dhansindi Rest House, Halima Boarding, Arafat Boarding, Dalian Hotel, Didar etc. are standard residential hotels in the district town.

There are several restaurants on Station Road in Jhalkathi. And if you get a chance, you must try sweets from Ghosh Sweets, Rasmalai and Luchi and sweets from Morning and Evening Sweets.

Gabkhan Bridge, Suzabad Fort, Kirtipasha Zamindar Bari and Vasman Payara Bazaar are notable among other places of interest in Jhalkathi.

Feature Image: Dr. Emdadul Haque Mamun