Construction of the fortress started in 1678-79 by Prince Muhammed Azam (third son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb), and was continued by the next viceroy, Shaista Khan. Located near the Buriganga river, in the south-western part of the old Dhaka, Lalbagh Kella is also known as 'Fort Aurangabad'. The edifice remains an incomplete Mughal fortress, as the construction stopped abruptly after the death of Shaista Khan's daughter, Iran Dukht -- popularly known as Paribibi. Paribibi's tomb is one of the monuments on the site, which also includes an audience hall with attached hammam, a mosque and others.

Four years back Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) had arranged two 'light and sound' shows at Lalbagh Kella to feature the architectural heritage of Bangladesh for delegates from overseas. Architect Dr. Nizamuddin Ahmed had written the script, Aly Zaker gave the voice, Architect Enamul Huq Nirjhar and Nasirul Huque Khokon conducted the lighting and sound effect.

On the government initiative, Dr. M Shafiqul Alam, head of Department of Archaeology, informed that the department has plans to highlight the Kella to the world. To quote him, "On February 17, 1999, we had submitted an official proposal to UNESCO to declare Lalbagh Kella as a 'world heritage site' under cultural category. Since then we have taken initiatives to present the history of the Kella through the 'laser-light and sound' show that should appeal to a broader audience. Currently the constructor, Project Builders Ltd, is implementing the project. Each day there will be three 25-minute-long 'laser-light and sound' shows -- two in Bangla and one in English."

Script for the show is ready. Mamunur Rashid has dramatised the script based on the historic events narrated by noted historian Dr. Nazimuddin Ahmed. Mamun said, "While working on the script, I've followed the storyline provided by the Department of Archaeology as well as reading books on the history of the Kella." Professor Abdus Selim has translated the script for the English version.

"The script has been submitted to a panel of editors. We will also take opinions from experts. Project Builders Ltd is setting up 'water screen structure' and 'beam house', necessary features in a 'light and sound show'. If everything goes smoothly, we hope to open the Tk 5.9 crore project within next four months," said Dr. Alam.

Thandu Raihan has developed the concept of the show. He is also the director of the show. According to him: "Internationally acclaimed German laser and light company Lobo Electronics will create the laser animations. All the equipments will be imported from the company. Khaled Khan is directing the sound effect part."

Eminent actors Mamunur Rashid, Aly Zaker, Subarna Mustafa, Jayanto Chattopadhyaya and Khaled Khan will lend their voices to historic characters Mohammad Azam, Shaista Khan, Paribibi, Islam Khan and a singer named Murshidi, respectively. Shafi Kamal is the narrator of the Bangla version and Rahaba Khan is the narrator of the English version of the show.