Narayanganj, Dhaka
A Mughal river fort on the east bank of the Shitalakshya, facing Hajiganj, known for its massive round gun platform.
Sonakanda is the partner of Hajiganj, one of the Mughal water forts built in the 17th century to protect Dhaka from river raiders. Placed on the opposite bank of the Shitalakshya, the two forts could cover the river between them.
The fort has a walled enclosure with loopholed, crenellated ramparts, and on the river side a huge circular gun platform, raised high on a solid base and reached by a flight of steps — the most striking feature of any of the Dhaka water forts.
Today it is a protected monument on the edge of Bandar town, its lawns used by locals for a quiet afternoon by the river.
From Chashara, take a rickshaw to one of the city’s ferry ghats on the Shitalakshya.
Cross to Bandar, watching the cargo boats and launches on the river.
Walk the ramparts and climb the round gun platform.
Have tea at a ghat stall before crossing back to the city.
November to February, in the morning or late afternoon
In Bandar, across the Shitalakshya from Narayanganj city. Cross by ferry or small boat from the city ghats, then a short rickshaw or battery-auto ride to the fort. You can also reach Bandar by road over the Shitalakshya bridges.
