Idrakpur Fort

A compact Mughal river fort of about 1660, built to guard Dhaka against Magh and Portuguese pirates.

Idrakpur Fort
Rayhan9d / CC BY-SA 4.0

Idrakpur Fort was built around 1660 by Mir Jumla, the Mughal governor of Bengal, near the old meeting point of the Ichhamati and Meghna rivers. Together with the forts at Hajiganj and Sonakanda, it formed a defensive triangle protecting Dhaka from river raiders.

The brick fort has thick crenellated walls with musket holes and a tall circular drum platform where cannons were once mounted. The rivers have since moved away and the fort now sits in the middle of Munshiganj town, but its walls remain in good condition. A small display explains the history, and the ramparts give a good view of the surrounding town.

How to go

The fort is inside Munshiganj town, a 5-10 minute rickshaw or battery auto ride from the launch ghat or bus stand (20-40 BDT).

Where to stay

Usually a day trip from Dhaka; Munshiganj town has a few simple hotels (1,000-2,500 BDT), and riverside resorts are near Mawa.

Travel tips: Check the weekly closing day before going; combine with Nateshwar Deul and Sonarang temples for a Bikrampur heritage day.