Forgotten tomb of Colombo Sahib restored in Old Dhaka
The long-forgotten tomb of Colombo Sahib has been brought back to life after a year of restoration. Along with the nearby historical gateway (referred to as the Moorish Gateway), the restored monument was officially inaugurated at a simple yet heartfelt ceremony at Dhaka Christian Cemetery in Wari on Saturday, 20 September, 2025.
Famously painted by Zohann Zoffany in 1787, the mausoleum has long been a subject of mystery. In 1824, when Bishop Heber of Kolkata visited the cemetery, he was told it belonged to "Colombo Sahib, a servant of the Company," but no further details were ever confirmed. The true story remains unknown, yet the mix of Mughal and European design has made it one of Old Dhaka's most fascinating monuments.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The restoration of Colombo Sahib's tomb was led by Professor Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh. By mid-2024, under his direction, the work began, and after nearly a year, the monument was successfully brought back to life.
Although interest in restoring the tomb had existed long before 2024. Waqar A Khan, founder of the Bangladesh Forum for Heritage Studies, recalled, "I first visited the site in 1970, and in 2010, I began taking steps to initiate the restoration project."
The event was organised by the Wari Christian Cemetery Board, with support from the British Association for Cemeteries in South Asia (BACSA) and the Commonwealth Heritage Foundation (CHF), two UK-based organisations that funded the restoration.
Most Rev Bejoy N D'Cruze, Archbishop of Dhaka and Chairman of the Wari Christian Cemetery Board; and Rev Fr Albert Rozario, Vice Chairman, hosted the programme.
Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Cultural Affairs Advisor of the interim government, attended as Chief Guest, and British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke joined as Special Guest.
On a rainy afternoon, guests gathered under a pandal inside the cemetery. After a few speeches, the group visited the restored gateway and tomb. The once-ruined dome, now freed from the huge banyan tree that almost destroyed it, stood tall and dignified against the backdrop of Old Dhaka.
Farooki linked the restoration to Bangladesh's culture. He pointed out how major celebrations today, like Pahela Boishakh, Eid, Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian festivals, welcome everyone. In this spirit, restoring Colombo Sahib's tomb also shows that the country values all parts of its heritage.
The British High Commissioner praised the 'magnificent restoration' and shared that BACSA and CHF's support was integral to supporting the project. For her, the effort reflected the strong and lasting friendship between the UK and Bangladesh.
Professor Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed explained the difficult process of restoring the structure. The project was challenging because a massive banyan tree had grown through the dome and walls. With 30–50 per cent of the structure severely weakened, his team of craftsmen relied on methods developed 300 years ago: using lime, powdered brick, and natural binding agents like betel nut juice instead of modern cement. The banyan roots were carefully trimmed to prevent any damage to the dome. The goal, he said, was to preserve as much of the original plaster as possible, allowing visitors to see the old and new work side by side.
Meanwhile, Rev Fr Albert Rozario shared, "This cemetery also has graves of Dutch and even British soldiers. We hope to keep restoring everything here."
Ahmed further shared, "This place is not just a graveyard; it is a treasure of architecture. Each monument reflects its own unique style. If we restore the entire site carefully, it could become a remarkable place, a heritage park for Dhaka, much like what we see in Mainamati, Cumilla."
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