Chattogram's forgotten Sazzalela's Dance Hall to become Bangladesh's maiden civil defence museum

Tucked away onto Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah Road in Chattogram's Chandanpura area, a timeworn structure stands steeped in history and faded grandeur. Once alive with the rhythmic jingle of ankle bells and the melodies of midnight performances, the 250-year-old Sazzalela's Dance Hall is now set to be reborn as Bangladesh's first-ever Civil Defence Museum.

Plans are underway to preserve this relic of aristocratic Bengal by transforming it into a cultural institution that celebrates the nation's civil-defence history. Located adjacent to the Chandanpura Fire Service Station, the building stands as more than a physical space -- it is a fading but resilient witness to Chattogram's rich socio-cultural legacy.

Built during the twilight years of Portuguese influence, even before the British arrived in Bengal, the two-storey mansion is thought to have been commissioned by Sazzalela, a zamindar (landlord) with a deep love for arts. It once served as a hub of nightly performances by baijis or professional dancers, attracting elite audiences from across the city. Inside its 14 rooms-meticulously designed for dance, music, and social gatherings-lay the rhythm of an entire era.

Separate chambers were designated for performers, guests, and musicians, with hallways intentionally constructed to carry the echoes of harmonies from room to room. The construction, too, remains remarkable: 10-inch-thick brick walls provide structural strength without any use of iron frameworks, while ornate murals of deities, flowers, and traditional motifs still cling to its timeworn walls.

"Sazzalela wasn't just a zamindar," says Aliur Rahman, a history researcher and chairman of the Chattogram Culture and History Research Centre. "He was a patron of art and culture. Chandanpura, Chawkbazar, Anderkilla, Baklia -- his influence spanned the city. This wasn't just a place of entertainment -- it was a temple of taste and refinement."

He adds: "Sazzalela's Dance Hall is a symbol of Chattogram's cultural heritage. If the structure can be renovated while preserving its original form, it has the potential to become a popular tourist destination. If it is transformed into a Civil Defence Museum, I would recommend showcasing its history so visitors can learn about the city's cultural legacy."

For generations, the Sazzalela family had maintained the property. But with political shifts and the end of zamindari during Pakistan's rule, the building was taken over by the government. Eventually, it served as the Chattogram Divisional Fire Service and Civil Defence office -- until time, neglect, and disuse pushed it into disrepair. Nearly 25 years ago, it was officially declared an abandoned property.

Since then, layers of dust have dulled its frescoes, plaster has peeled from the walls, and silence has replaced the once-vibrant echoes. But the soul of the building has endured.

In recent years, a chorus of heritage advocates, citizens, and cultural enthusiasts has begun to recognise the importance of this architectural gem. Responding to their call, the government is now considering a proposal to repurpose the building into a Civil Defence Museum.

Md Anwar Hossain, Assistant Director of the Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defence, confirms the initiative. "The proposal has been sent and now we are waiting for official approval, but the vision is clear -- preserve the site and house old fire-service equipment and historical artefacts here. It would be a museum unlike any other in the country."

He notes that it would be the first-ever Civil Defence Museum in the country.

If realised, the transformation would not only preserve the structure but also turn it into a centre for historical tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into both colonial-era Bengal and the evolution of fire safety and civil preparedness in Bangladesh.

Chattogram's legacy is often told through its port, commerce, or politics, but its artistic and aristocratic heritage deserves equal reverence. The Sazzalela's Dance Hall represents a forgotten chapter of cultural sophistication, artistic patronage, and urban elegance. Restoring it is not merely about preserving bricks and mortar, it is about reclaiming a cultural identity.

What once was a mansion of dance may soon become a beacon of resilience and remembrance. With the right policy, funding, and community involvement, this heritage site can shine once again, offering the future a rare window into the melodies and memories that shaped Chattogram's heart.

As the chandeliers lie shattered and music has long since faded, one truth remains: in the quiet, timeworn corners of Sazzalela's Dance Hall, history still hums -- waiting to be heard again.

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