Bangladesh: Restored Colombo’s Historic Tomb and Moorish Gateway in Old Dhaka Inaugurated

On September 20, the restored Colombo’s Historic Tomb and the Moorish Gateway were officially inaugurated at the Wari Christian Cemetery in Narinda, Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Colombo’s Historic Tomb, also known as the Tomb of Columbo, is a 17th-century mausoleum believed to be the resting place of an Italian or Portuguese traveler who lived in Bengal during the Mughal era. Nearby stands the distinctive Moorish Gateway, an ornate entrance built in an Islamic–Moorish style, featuring arches and decorative motifs rare in Bengal architecture.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Catherine Cook, Chairman of the Cemetery Board and Archbishop Bijoy N. D’Cruze of Dhaka Archdiocese, and Interim Government Adviser on Cultural Affairs Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

Also present were Father Albert Rozario, Vice Chairman of the Wari Christian Cemetery Board, along with local and international guests who joined the formal reopening of the restored gateway.

In his speech as chair of the event, Archbishop Bijoy N. D’Cruze said: “This cemetery in Narinda is not just a historical site, it is part of our identity. Unfortunately, illegal encroachment, makeshift shops, drug use, and antisocial activities have increasingly threatened this sacred place.”

He further appealed: “Despite informing the authorities, no effective action has been taken. From this platform, I appeal directly to the Adviser on Cultural Affairs for his support.”

British High Commissioner Sarah Catherine Cook noted: “This restoration project deepens the historic ties between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. Preserving cultural heritage is not just about safeguarding the past, it is an invaluable gift to future generations.”

The Wari Christian Cemetery in Narinda, Old Dhaka, stands as a silent witness to the city’s rich and colorful history spanning centuries. This restoration reminds us that historical monuments are not merely structures of stone and brick, they are autobiographies of civilizations.

In his keynote address, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki remarked: “This effort to preserve Bangladesh’s heritage is not just an ordinary project; it is a symbol of our cultural responsibility. We are not merely repairing the remnants of the past, we are reconnecting future generations with their roots. Each act of restoration becomes a new bridge between history and the days to come.”

Professor Dr. Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed, the conservation architect leading the first phase of the project, explained: “These tombs and gateways are not just architectural elements, they are witnesses of time. Each carving, each brick holds a story. Our task was not to redesign the ruins, but to revive them while preserving their original character. This work has reconnected present-day Dhaka with its historical roots.”

Father Albert Rozario added, “We want future generations to come here and not just see old tombs and gates, but to feel the depth of history, the very soul of the city’s heritage.”

The restoration project is being implemented under the initiative of the Wari Christian Cemetery Board, with support from the British Association for Cemeteries in South Asia (BACSA) and the Commonwealth Heritage Foundation (CHF).

Although the restoration of the Moorish Gateway and the Tomb of Mr. Colombo marks the beginning of this initiative, it is only the first chapter. The second phase of the project is set to begin soon.