Loading...Panam is a city over 400 years old and can be considered one of the earliest examples of urban settlement in Bangladesh. In fact, its origins might be even older. The word “Panam” comes from the Persian word “Pineam,” meaning “shelter.” It is believed that the historic “Sarak-e-Azam” or Grand Trunk Road ended at Panam Nagar. Because of this, Panam was likely considered the headquarters of the “Sarkar-e-Sonargaon” region during historical times.
Panam Nagar’s historical significance is embodied in its treasurer’s house, old bridges, colonial-era trading houses, and aristocratic buildings. Known for its rich textile traditions, particularly muslin, Panam was once the commercial center of Sonargaon’s renowned arts and crafts.
The beautifully ornamented buildings of Panam Nagar stand as a testament to the luxurious lifestyle of Sonargaon’s elite. Folk music gatherings used to be held around its decorative dance halls, adorned with artistic floral motifs and wall designs. The muslin curtains fluttering in the breeze during seasonal festivals created a magical atmosphere. Panam Nagar was a living document of traditional Bengali rituals, lifestyles, and cultural heritage.
Some structures were modeled with thatched roofs resembling the single or double-sloped “ekchala” and “dochala” house types found in rural Bengal. Interestingly, this architectural form became popular even in faraway Delhi, suggesting that the thatched house designs of ancient Sonargaon may have influenced Mughal art and architecture. This influence also explains Sonargaon’s worldwide fame in fine arts and craftsmanship.
How to Get There
- Take a Swadesh Paribahan bus from Gulistan and get off at Mograpara Crossroads. Fare: approximately 40 BDT. Travel time: about 1 hour on Fridays, but plan for 2 to 2.5 hours on other days.
- From Mograpara, take a shared auto-rickshaw to Panam Nagar for 10 BDT per person. You can also access Panam Nagar through the alley next to Chaity Garments.
- Alternatively, take a bus to Chittagong Road from Gulistan. From there, you can hire a CNG auto-rickshaw for around 120 BDT to reach Panam Nagar. You can also travel by bus and get off at the Panam Nagar bus stop.
- Via river route: Take a launch to Baidyer Bazar Ghat in Sonargaon Upazila, then travel by rickshaw or CNG to Panam Nagar, Sonargaon.
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