Rajapur upazila, 21 km from Jhalkathi, southern district of Barisal, is known as the Tiger of Bengal. The birthplace of AKM Fazlul Haque is located in Saturia Zamindar Bari. In the 17th century, Fazlul Haque’s maternal grandfather Sheikh Shahabuddin established this zamindar house on 100 acres of land in Saturia. The zamindar bari compound built in Mughal architecture consists of 3 buildings. The entrance to the compound is through the main gate with carved carvings. Inside the main house, flower gardens, ponds and elaborate Mughal period buildings add to the beauty of the house.
On October 26, 1873, Sherbangla AKM Fazlul Haque was born in this Saturia zamindar house. His institutional education started from the Maktab of Saturia Zamindar Bari. And most of his working and political life was spent in this zamindar house.
The historic Saturia Zamindar House has survived as a witness to many brilliant events in history. Currently Bangladesh
Several buildings including the Sher Bangla Memorial Library have been constructed in this zamindar house under the Directorate of Archaeology.
How to go
Being a coastal and riverine region, sea route is most convenient for Jhalakathi. From Dhaka’s Sadarghat, Sundarban 2, MV Farhan-7, TS Masud, TS Ostrich, TS Lepcha etc. can be reached by launch and steamer at Rajapur Ghat. Launch fare from Dhaka to Rajapur ranges from Tk 190 to Tk 1,600 depending on the category. Alight at Rajapur Ghat and take any local transport to reach Saturia Zamindar House located near Bekutia Ferry Ghat on Rajapur-Pirojpur Highway.
By road, from Dhaka’s Syedabad or Gabtali, take BRTC, Islam Paribahan, Labiba Classic, Sugandha, Hanif, Eagle or Sakura Paribahan by ferry and reach Jhalkathi by bus or CNG to Rajapur. The bus fare will cost 550 to 900 taka. From Rajapur you can easily go to Zamindar’s house by rickshaw.