Professor Nasir Ahmad of the History Department at Jagannath University said the building was constructed in 1874 to commemorate the visit of then Governor-General of India, George Baring Northbrook.

“It was inaugurated on 25 May, 1880 and named Northbrook Hall by Dhaka’s elite. It hosted meetings and formal gatherings of colonial officials and prominent citizens,” he said.

He added that the structure was later converted into a library in 1882, and Johnson Hall was added as a clubhouse.

“The library initially had a small collection, which grew to over 10,000 books within a few years. Books were also brought from England in 1887,” he said.

Prof Ahmad further said that on 7 February, 1926, a certificate of honour welcoming poet Rabindranath Tagore was read at the venue on behalf of Dhaka Municipality and the People’s Association.