English Feature Writing

Course Code and Name: MSJ11201 English for Media

Project Name: A Walk Through the Abandoned City of Historical Significance – A Feature Story by Zakia Sultana Sanam

Project Date: Spring 2021

Project Type: Individual

Project Completed on Semester No: 4

CI Theme: Nonviolent Communication

Project Description:

The project, titled “A Walk Through the Abandoned City of Historical Significance,” is an individual feature story by Zakia Sultana Sanam. It delves into the historical site of Panam Nagar, an ancient city in Bangladesh, exploring its rich past, architectural marvels, and the current state of preservation. The story captures the essence of Panam Nagar’s historical significance while highlighting the efforts being made to restore and maintain the site.

Project Justification:

The feature story was developed as part of the MSJ11201 English for Media course to enhance journalistic storytelling skills and provide a deeper understanding of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. By focusing on Panam Nagar, the project aimed to bring attention to the historical and cultural importance of this site, encouraging readers to appreciate and preserve their national history. The story also serves as a reflection on the impact of time and neglect on historical monuments and the necessity for restoration efforts.

Department of Media Studies and Journalism

Course Title: English for Media

Course Code: MSJ11201

Term: Spring 2021

Section: 01

Assessment: Feature Story on A Walk Through the Abandoned City of Historical Significance

 

Submitted To

Kashfia Arif

Lecturer

Bachelor of Social Science (SSS)

Department of Media Studies and Journalism

University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)

 

Submitted By

Zakia Sultana Sanam (201012045)

 

Date of Submission: 4th April, 2021

A Walk Through the Abandoned City of Historical Significance – A Feature Story by Zakia Sultana Sanam

Dhaka, Friday, 2 April 2021, 9:30 PM

The abandoned city, Panam Nagar, echoes the footsteps of visitors even in the dawn of this pandemic. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)
The abandoned city, Panam Nagar, echoes the footsteps of visitors even in the dawn of this pandemic. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)

What cities lie buried beneath each hill?

Monuments born of ancient times,

Forgotten and lost but standing still,

Neglected, disconnected, these are our crimes.

 

What histories are etched into ancient stones?

Tales decayed with the fall of walls,

The sag of dynasty, the crumble of bones,

The march of ghosts through tumbled halls.

  _____Ali Isaac (Ancient Places)

The lonely long road of ancient Panam Nagar is guarded by old pillars. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)
The lonely long road of ancient Panam Nagar is guarded by old pillars. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)

The Lost City, Panam Nagar, used to be a bustling place maybe 450 years ago. Only the untouched stones and abandoned buildings remain a witness to its former legends since they were practically abolished years ago.

The city consists of a central alley lined with magnificent ancient buildings, and many are in terrible condition. If you enjoy history, indeed, you will be enthralled by the ancient structures. Some of the structures have perplexing construction that might transport you back in history and probably give you a spooky sensation. It seems to be a desolate place, and you’ll be left guessing what existed before. It was declared one of the 100 ruinous historical institutions by the World Monument Fund in 2006 (Wikipedia). The town was once known as Bengal’s capital and once a vibrant city. It is also called “The Lost City” and continues to be a monument to its glorious past.

The Baro Bhuiyan king, Isa Khan, founded the first capital of Bengal in Sonargaon in the 15th century (Wikipedia). The town consisted of a 20-square-kilometer area of Sonargaon at that time (Wikipedia). The town was primarily built for the high-ranking royal employees and Moslin businessmen. Sonargaon’s royal punishment and service were directed from this location. As the international cloth wa[2] s imported through waterways, it was called the port town. The houses are the first thing that comes to mind when you arrive in Panam Nagar. Some of them are two-storeyed, some of them one. Some 52 of the buildings still standing in Panam Nagar are worth mentioning which probably have unique stories behind them. There are mosques, temples, synagogue, abbey, bathroom, dance room, hotel, gallery, treasury, courtroom, audience hall, tunnels, and old museum along with residential buildings. There is a 400-year-old abbey house to the west of which the East-India Company manufactures “Neelkuthi.”

The history of Panam Nagar evolved and changed nature, as many of its buildings collapsed. Nevertheless, enough of it remains to give us an insight into the culture of the individuals then. At that time, it is said that music and dance were alive in the evenings. This will dissolve into the celebrations even the unhappy people. You can now notice bathhouses, courtyards, halls, and dance stages as you walk through the ruins. Decades have gone by since Panam Nagar left, and the locals now often refer to it as the “Ghost City” and “City of the Dead” of this area.

A look into the abandoned buildings with haunted vibes. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)
A look into the abandoned buildings with haunted vibes. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)

While the city is now a historical place filled with ruins, there are still many buildings remaining. There is a different style in each house. You will admire the fine architecture’s elegance. The color and design of the buildings show techniques by local artists alongside Mughal and Greek architecture. Some locations show works from colonial times. In nearly all of the rooms, iron brackets were used. There is red, white, black mosaic work on the floors of the rooms. Iron grills were used on the windows and the ventilators. In the bricks of ancient walls, there are still royal signs and black stones work on terracotta. With concrete, slate, and stones embedded in colors and terracotta designs, all that remains is still stunning. The houses all had the water wells that were presumably used as gardens with enormous spaces next to them. Many places of worship and recreation were also present.

The ancient walls and pillars with royal signs and terracotta stoneworks. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)
The ancient walls and pillars with royal signs and terracotta stoneworks. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)
The ancient walls and pillars with royal signs and terracotta stoneworks. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)

 

On April 2, 2021, I traveled to Panam Nagar. It is poorly recommended to reach some of the abandoned houses in Panam Nagar due to the extent of disrepair. On the spot, talking to Assistant Custodian Md. Faisal Miah of Panam Nagar said that “the Department of Archeology of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh is conducting all the activities in Panama City. The government has taken many steps, including renovating houses, to improve and restore Panama City’s infrastructure. The renovation work was inaugurated by Honorable Minister KM Khalid on December 22, 2020. In a few buildings, renovation work is currently underway, and will begin in all buildings one by one”.

In front of Panam Nagar’s main gate, I found Md. Shamsuzzaman. Md. Shamsuzzaman is a local veteran freedom fighter. He is proud to be a Sonargaon resident. According to him, “Sonargaon was Bengal’s first capital. And the area needs to be significantly enhanced to present the history and heritage of Bengal to the entire world”. Furthermore, authorities’ cooperation is required. He thinks that it is possible to make Panam Nagar better known by enhancing the communication system.

I spoke with tourists who were visiting Panam Nagar. Md. Ashraful Islam, a university student who came to visit Panam Nagar. He stated that these installations are crucial for learning about this country’s history outside of history books. This allows one to easily comprehend one’s history in front of one’s eyes.

The historical elegance is in the process of reformation. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)

Md. Abdus Sattar is a vendor. He sells fancy clay and wood items to tourists visiting Panam Nagar. Besides, he also has access to children’s toys. The city of Panam was overcrowded with tourists before the Corona pandemic. But the crowds of tourists have declined as a result of this outbreak. He is optimistic, however, that it will increase again in the future.

A local vendor of Panam Nagar is passing his lazy times. Lack of tourists to sell his goods due to the Corona pandemic. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)

The vestiges of carelessness adorn the exceptionally old magnificent place walls, but it is still standing and a fascinating destination for tourists. A perfect escape from the noisy city of Dhaka can be Lost City Panam. Panam Nagar’s beauty is not to be missed. I hope it will be a wonderful idea to schedule your next trip soon to visit the historic beauty of Panam Nagar!

Evidence of Interviews taken:

Interview of the assistant custodian, MD Faysal Mia. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)
Interview of the assistant custodian, MD Faysal Mia. (Photo by Zakia Sultana Sanam)

Learnings and Outcomes (Self-reflection):

  • Gained journalistic storytelling techniques.
  • Enhanced interviewing skills.
  • Developed a compelling feature narrative.
  • Improved linguistic precision in English writing.
  • Learned to integrate historical research into creative writing.
  • Experienced the challenges of conducting fieldwork during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Strengthened ability to engage readers through descriptive and evocative language.
  • Recognized the importance of preserving cultural heritage through journalism.
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