Neglected Suhrawardy Udyan

No other place in Dhaka can claim to have witnessed so many historic events like Suhrawardy Udyan. It witnessed Bangabandhu's clarion call for independence in his historic 7th March speech. The infamous Pakistani occupation forces surrendered there to the liberation forces. Bangabandhu returned triumphantly to independent Bangladesh and delivered his first epoch making speech there. On March 1948, Mohammad Ali Jinnah declared there, “Urdu and only Urdu shall be the state language of Pakistan”. History unfolded at this Udyan many times more.

Unfortunately the Udyan has not received its due recognition and attention; development work has been delayed and neglected. There is no formal gate. There are no pavements within the park. Garbage is dumped at several places. The park is not well-maintained and cleaners and gardeners are hardly visible. There are hundreds of cartwheel vendors selling fried, crispy items, cold drinks and fruits within the Udyan and the entire park resembles an open food court. In the evening, it is a haven for drug abuse, drug peddling, prostitution and other types of anti-social activities. At the Shahbagh end, three storied billboards destroy the aesthetic beauty of this beautiful Udyan. Banners and festoons are hung freely at every possible corner.

Suhrawardy Udyan is our pride and one of the few remaining open spaces in the capital. The entire Udyan should be free from crime and unsavoury elements with adequate security provided for those who visit this place. The vendors should be immediately relocated. Historic events moreover, should be properly highlighted on marble epitaphs. A high level task body should be entrusted to look after the development and maintenance of the Udyan. Finally, I would like to draw the kind attention of our honourable PM and the Ministry of Liberation War to ensure the early completion of development works and beautification of the Udyan.

Dr. Shamim Ahmed
On e-mail