Northbrook Hall, Red brick colonial building in Old Dhaka, Bangladesh
Northbrook Hall is an architectural structure in Old Dhaka featuring Indo-Saracenic design with four octagonal towers, horseshoe arches, and ornamental parapets. The building sits along the Buriganga River and currently houses a public library and community center.
The structure was built in 1880 as a town hall during British colonial rule and named after Lord Northbrook's visit. Local Zamindars of Dhaka provided funding, establishing the building as part of the city's administrative past.
The building displays a blend of Mughal and European design elements visible in its ornamental details and arches. This mix of styles shapes how the place looks and feels to those who visit.
The building houses a public library and Johnson Hall where visitors can explore the interior spaces and see the architecture up close. The best time to visit is outside peak hours so you can experience the place at a quieter pace.
The building earned its local name Lalkuthi because of its original red exterior, which made it recognizable across generations. This distinctive coloring helped people identify and refer to it in everyday conversation.
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