Tongibari
Upazila of Munshiganj
Tongibari officially became an upazila in 1983. Geographically, it is a low-lying area. Because of frequent flooding and the marshy landscape, local people traditionally raised the land by digging soil and creating small elevated islands, where they built houses resembling roadside “tong” shops. Over time, this is believed to be the origin of the name “Tongibari.”
Tourist Places in Tongibari
Day-1
Pulghata Bridge
Historical Landmark
A canal named Mir Kadim flows between Munshiganj Sadar and Tongibari upazilas. In the past, there was only one bridge connecting the two sides—the historic Pulghata Bridge.
The exact construction date of Polghata Bridge remains unknown. Some people believe it was built during the Sena dynasty, which ruled Bengal from 1070 to 1230 CE. Others refer to it as a "mysterious bridge" or a "Gaibi Bridge."
However, based on its architectural style, historians believe the bridge is more likely from the Mughal period and was probably built no earlier than the 17th century.
This historic bridge is 52.5 metres long and 6 metres wide. Its impressive arched structure once served as an important transportation route for the region. The bridge was built over the Mir Kadim Canal.
It features three arches. The central arch is 4.25 metres wide, while the two side arches are each 2.17 metres wide. Large boats once passed through the main arch.
Over time, repeated and unplanned renovations have altered much of the bridge's original appearance.
Today, the bridge is listed as a protected archaeological site in Bangladesh. However, because it spans the Mir Kadim Canal, it is officially recorded as Mir Kadim Bridge. Many locals believe its original name, Polghata Bridge, should have been preserved.
This bridge is more than just a crossing—it is a symbol of Bikrampur's rich heritage and centuries-old history.
How to go: From there, you’ll find many auto-rickshaws offering rides to different destinations, including Tongibari. However, we won’t take those because they usually stop in the middle of Tongibari Upazila. Instead, we’ll begin our journey from the northern part of the upazila.
From Muktarpur, take an auto-rickshaw heading west toward Betka and get off at Amtala. The fare is 10 taka per person. Be sure to tell the driver to drop you at Amtala.
After getting off at Amtala, walk back a short distance and continue along the road heading north.
After walking about 550 metres, you will arrive at the first destination: Pulghata Bridge.
Deo Bari
Historical Landmark
For centuries, Bikrampur was an important centre of education, culture, trade, and civilization in Bengal. At that time, rivers were the primary transportation routes. Through the waterways connected to the Padma, Dhaleswari, and Meghna rivers, merchants transported goods across the region.
As trade flourished, many wealthy merchant families settled in Bikrampur.
Among the oldest surviving houses built by these Hindu merchant families is Deo Bari. This historic residence is approximately 120 years old.
The three-storey mansion was built by Shakti De and Bhakta De. Despite its deteriorating condition, the building still contains 45 rooms.
It is believed that after the partition of British India in 1947, many members of the family migrated to India due to political instability and persecution. Some remained in East Pakistan, but during the 1971 Liberation War, many left again out of fear of violence.
Today, the building is in a fragile state. Due to a lack of proper care and preservation, several sections have already collapsed.
Immediate conservation efforts are needed to protect this valuable piece of Bikrampur's heritage from further destruction.
How to go: It is located about 150 meters from Pulghata bridge towards northwest.
Old Food Warehouse
According to local residents, this building once served as a food warehouse. It was later purchased by a local owner.
How to go: It is located few meters northeast from Deo Bari.
Razia Manzil
This beautiful old house is known as Razia Manzil.
How to go: It is located north for Old Food Warehouse.
Old House
The old building next to it was later purchased by another local family.
How to go: It is located east of Razia Manzil.
Alim Bepari Bari
This is Bepari Bari. There are several merchant houses in this area, and this particular one belongs to Alim Bepari.
How to go: It is located south from old house.
Chaiyal Bari
This house is known as Chaiyal Bari. It has been beautifully restored and maintained. If every historic house in this area were preserved like this, Tongibari could become a major heritage tourism destination.
How to go: It is located northwest of Bepari Bari.
Brindhabon Chandra Jiur Akhra:
This is Brindhabon Chandra Jiur Akhra, a Hindu temple that is more than a century old. Although it has been renovated over the years, it still retains its historical significance.
How to go: It is located about 20 meters from Chaiyal Bari towards northeast.
Shiyaldah Bari
This house is known as Shiyaldah Bari. Take a look—this is one of the best-preserved heritage houses in the area. It looks absolutely beautiful.
How to go: It is located about 200 meters from Brindhabon Chandra Jiur Akhra towards northeast.
Bhuiya Bari
This is Bhuiya Bari, a two-storey heritage house. There is another building behind it as well. The path ahead is closed, so we'll take another route.
How to go: It is located about about 450 meters from Brindhabon Chandra Jiur Akhra towards north.
Mondol Bari Hindu Temple
This is the Mondol Bari Temple. It was established in the Bengali year 1160, which corresponds to around 1753 CE.
How to go: It is located east of Bhuiya Bari.
Old House
An inscription on this house states that it was built on the 22nd day of Shravan, 1348 in the Bengali calendar, which corresponds to August 1941.
If you walk to the right from the main gate, you'll find the remains of an old entrance gate beside the Mir Kadim Canal.
How to go: It is located east of Bhuiya Bari.
Mondol Bari
The Mondol family has lived here for nearly 300 years, although the current buildings were constructed around 1943.
The estate consists of four old houses surrounding a central courtyard. The architecture and atmosphere of this place make it a popular filming location even today.
Let's continue.
Mondol Bari – Second Section
Next to the main Mondol Bari is another section of the estate, where Hindu families still reside today.
You'll also find several family mausoleums and memorial structures end of the house street.
How to go: It is located about 100 meters from Mondol Bari towards north.
Sannasi Bari Shiva Temple
Adjacent to Mondol Bari is the Sannasi Bari Shiva Temple.
How to go: It is located north of Mondol Bari-2
Saodagor Dighi
large pond known as Saodagor Dighi.
Although it is commonly referred to as a separate dighi, you'll notice that it is closely connected to the entire Mondol Bari complex, with individual bathing ghats built for each house.
How to go: It is located east of Sannyasi Bari Temple.
Bepari Bari
Another old heritage house, now known as Bepari Bari.
How to go: It is located north of Sawdagor Dighi.
Abdullahpur Loknath Temple
This temple is home to a magnificent century-old banyan tree.
Every year, the traditional Lal Kach, or Dhol Kach Festival, is celebrated here.
Lal Kach, also known as the Red Glass Festival, is a centuries-old folk tradition and dance festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. It is celebrated during Chaitra Sankranti, the last day of the Bengali calendar year.
As part of the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, devotees from Munshiganj—especially from Abdullahpur and Tongibari—as well as nearby Narayanganj, gather here to take part in this vibrant celebration.
How to go: It is located
Pal Bari
Munshiganj, formerly known as Bikrampur, was once home to many wealthy landlords and merchant families who lived in grand mansions built on vast estates. Over time, most of these historic residences disappeared as the mighty Padma River gradually swallowed large parts of Bikrampur.
Among the few surviving landmarks, the largest and most significant is Pal Bari, also known as Tokani Pal Bari, located in Abdullahpur.
Although there are limited historical records about its construction, it is known that Tokani Pal, a prominent merchant from Barishal, purchased this seven-acre estate in the early 1890s and moved here with his second wife, Nobanga Sundari, and his six sons from his two marriages.
Today, the estate consists of 11 buildings and six ponds. Its vast grounds are filled with hundreds of trees, including fruit-bearing, medicinal, and timber species. In the past, the estate was also famous for its beautiful flower gardens.
However, when Tokani Pal first arrived, the property was in a neglected condition. His eldest son, Kamini Pal, took responsibility for restoring and developing the estate.
As devoted followers of Radha and Krishna, the family decided to build a temple dedicated to Radha-Shyam. By that time, the craftsmen of Abdullahpur had earned a reputation for their exceptional skills, and among them, Arfan Ostagar was the most respected master builder.
According to local accounts, Arfan Ostagar was hired with a daily wage of five quarters of rice and a packet of tobacco, while the designer received an additional three quarters.
The family planned a temple measuring approximately 15 by 6 feet, featuring a spacious veranda where devotees could gather every evening to sing devotional songs. Inside the temple, a large platform was built to hold an impressive metal idol of Radha-Shyam. The exterior walls were decorated with intricate terracotta artwork.
Once completed, the temple became a local marvel, attracting visitors from far and wide.
The Pal family's wealth was built around the bustling Bikrampur Port on the Komola River, which was often referred to as the "Second Calcutta." Goods such as betel nuts, mustard seeds, and lentils arrived from Barishal and Chandpur and were traded with Calcutta.
At its peak, nearly 20,000 workers were employed at the port every day, and the Pal family became the second-largest wholesale trading family in the region.
They established warehouses in distant locations, including Barishal, Jhalokathi, Swarupkathi, and Chandpur. Kamini Pal emerged as one of the region's most influential merchants, while Dwarakanath Pal became a prominent kerosene oil trader. Other family members were also involved in various businesses, and the family's prosperity continued to grow.
However, after the Partition of India in 1947, a large part of the family migrated to Calcutta. Those who stayed behind to protect the family business soon faced major challenges, as trade with India became increasingly difficult.
Then came the events of 1971.
During the Bangladesh Liberation War, members of the Hindu community faced persecution, their businesses were disrupted, and many homes were destroyed.
Protected by strong boundary walls, the Pal Estate became a safe haven not only for the Pal family but also for their relatives, friends, and neighbouring families. Nearly 500 people sought refuge within its walls.
But one dark night, the Pakistani army entered the estate, killed several members of the family, and set fire to the main buildings.
After the attack, the surviving family members fled to India through Agartala.
Nearly two years later, Shashadhar Pal, the second son of Dwarakanath Pal and the head of the family at the time, returned with his family.
By then, much of the estate had been occupied by others. Although he tried to revive the family businesses, he was unable to fully restore their former success.
While most family members eventually returned to Calcutta, Shashadhar Pal chose to remain in his ancestral home, surrounded by memories of his childhood. Over time, he sold portions of the estate and spent the rest of his life here.
He lived either in one of the houses within the estate or in another Pal residence built decades earlier by his uncle, Kamini Pal.
Shashadhar Pal passed away in the late 1990s.
Today, Pal Bari is more than just an old mansion. It stands as a valuable testament to the history, heritage, architecture, trade, and way of life of ancient Bikrampur.
Every wall, courtyard, and pond within this estate tells a story of prosperity, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a remarkable family.
How to go: It is located about 1.2 kilometers from Loknath Mondir towards south. You can take an auto-rickshaw for 20 taka. The route passes through Abdullahpur Bazar before heading south toward Pal Bari.
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You may also travel in Munshiganj
* Gazaria
* Lohajang
* Munshiganj Sadar
* Sirajdikhan
* Sreenagar
* Tongibari (You are here now)
Click below to go
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