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Panam City
Panam Nagar, popularly known as Panam City, is a historic ruined city located in Sonargaon, about 27 kilometers southeast of Dhaka. It was established in the 19th century by wealthy Hindu merchants as a trading hub for the world-renowned Muslin fabric. The architecture of the settlement is unique, blending European neoclassical features like columns and arches with traditional Bengali terracotta and brickwork. Along a single 600-meter street, 52 grand two-story brick houses stand as a testament to the economic prosperity of the merchant class during the colonial era. Following political unrest and communal riots in the 1960s, the city was largely abandoned by its inhabitants and fell into disrepair. Today, Panam City is protected by the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh and has been listed by the World Monuments Fund as one of the most endangered cultural sites globally. It serves as a major tourist attraction, illustrating the rich textile history and architectural fusion of the Bengal region.
- Location: Bangladesh
- Top sights: Zainul Folk Arts & Crafts Museum , Narayangonj · Bangladesh Folk Art & Craft Foundation · Panam City
- Nearby: Chandpur (5 km)
- Population: ~130.000 (2017)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 22 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 9 | 20 | 50 | 149 | 292 | 382 | 437 | 359 | 283 | 185 | 38 | 18 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The city consists of 52 historic buildings along a single 600-meter long street.
- It was the primary hub for the export of world-famous Muslin fabric in the 19th century.
- The architectural style blends European neoclassical elements with traditional Bengali art.
- In 2006, the World Monuments Fund listed Panam City as one of the world's most endangered sites.
- Most of the brick structures were constructed between 1890 and 1910.
- The city became largely abandoned following the 1965 India-Pakistan war and communal riots.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Panam City (11)
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Frequently asked questions
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