Dhaka:Bangladesh Secretariat Osmani Udyan will be reopening to the public on October 19, as announced by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mir Shahe Alam. This reopening comes after the park remained closed for ten years.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the decision to reopen the park was made during a recent civic gathering attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who will also inaugurate the newly modernized and historic Osmani Udyan. The renovation, costing Taka 50 crore, was undertaken by the South City Corporation and includes the construction of a new 'July Memorial.'
Minister Mir Shahe Alam discussed these developments at a preparatory meeting for the inauguration ceremony. He highlighted the park's new features, which include walking paths, family-friendly areas, restaurants, a modern library, play areas for children, artificial fountains, and water features. The aim is to create a pleasant environment for families and visitors.
The newly constructed 'July Memorial' within the park is dedicated to honoring the martyrs and heroic fighters of the July uprising. This monument offers a place for visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made during the historic student-led mass revolution of July-August.
Regarding urban development, the State Minister addressed the issue of clearing footpaths in the capital. He emphasized that the initiative is not simply about evicting hawkers but ensuring the accessibility of walkways for the general public. The clearing efforts will continue to allow free movement for residents of both north and south city corporations, with measures in place to prevent new hawkers from occupying these areas.
The preparatory meeting was attended by DSCC Administrator Md. Abdus Salam, the Secretary of the Local Government Division, and other senior officials and agency representatives.