Daria-i-Noor, ‘sister’ to Koh-i-Noor, awaits first light in 117 years
For over a century, one of the world's most legendary gemstones has remained hidden -- locked in silence, shrouded in myth, and cloaked in official secrecy.
Bangladesh government has decided that the time has come to finally lift the veil on the Daria-i-Noor (Sea of Light), a diamond many believe to be the "sister gem" of the famed Koh-i-Noor (Mountain of Light).
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Next week, a high-powered committee led by Cabinet Secretary Abdur Rashid is set to inspect the Daria-i-Noor inside Sonali Bank's vault, where it has been kept for an astonishing 117 years.
According to the Land Reform Board, the saga of the Daria-i-Noor began when Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka mortgaged the diamond along with 109 other ornaments to the government of the then province of Eastern Bengal and Assam in exchange for a loan of 1.4 million rupees. That could amount to Tk 1,320-1,848 crore in 2025 if the average annual inflation rate is 4.5–5% over 117 years.
The loan, which was supposed to be repaid in 30 years at an annual interest rate of 3 percent, remains unsettled to this day.
Since then, the diamond has remained under government custody -- its location marked in official records but unseen by human eyes. Over the decades, those tasked with safeguarding it never dared to open the sealed box. The fear of being held accountable for any discrepancy, or worse, the discovery of an empty casket, kept everyone from verifying its contents.
Ali Imam Majumder, the current land adviser, has long called for clarity. After taking office, he renewed his plea to the government, urging that the matter be made public. It was at his initiative that a nine-member committee -- comprising senior bureaucrats, security officials, and a gem specialist -- was formed under the leadership of the Cabinet Secretary.
After two rounds of meetings, the committee resolved to open the box and reveal the truth to the nation. To ensure a smooth and secure operation, a six-member subcommittee carried out a preliminary "rehearsal" at Sonali Bank on October 5. The procedures to be followed during the actual unveiling are now being finalised.
"If we do not open the box, controversy will persist," a committee member told The Daily Star, seeking anonymity. "But if any mistakes occur during the process, the government could face severe criticism. That's why we've done a pre-inspection -- to make sure everything is handled with utmost caution. The interest surrounding this gem extends far beyond Bangladesh."
A senior official at Sonali Bank confirmed that a delegation led by the home secretary had recently examined the vault's condition and its security measures. "The process to open the box is now underway and expected to take place next week," he said.
During the pre-inspection, officials discovered that the vault allows entry to no more than four individuals at a time -- a logistical challenge that will likely prolong the operation. "We cannot say exactly how long the process will take," the committee member added. "To avoid disruptions, food and refreshments will be arranged so that no one needs to step out until the inspection is complete."
Given the space constraint, only Bangladesh Television will be permitted to enter the vault to film the proceedings. Other media outlets will be briefed later.
"It won't be a live broadcast," clarified one member. "But the entire process will unfold before the cameras, ensuring complete transparency."
"No one will carry personal devices inside. Every individual entering or leaving the vault will undergo thorough screening. Special Branch passes are being arranged for everyone involved," said another committee member.
Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder told The Daily Star that the media will be informed about the next course of action.
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