What was once a lively destination filled with children, visitors and tourists now stands largely deserted. Chattogram’s “Mini Bangladesh”, also known as Swadhinata Complex, has been overtaken by weeds and neglect after remaining closed to visitors for nearly two years.
Spread over 16.37 acres in Kalurghat, Chandgaon, the entertainment complex now bears little resemblance to the attraction it once was.
Rides and iron structures have rusted, while miniature replicas of Bangladesh’s historic landmarks are deteriorating. Built at a cost of crores of taka, some of the equipment has reportedly also been stolen.
The complex has remained largely non-operational since 2024’s July Uprising. During a recent visit, the main gate was found locked, with thick bushes covering different parts of the premises.
Rides, an artificial railway and other metal structures have been left exposed to rain and weather, while the overgrown vegetation has raised concerns about snakes and insects.
Local visitor Iftekhar Mahmud Abid said the prolonged closure had created opportunities for undesirable activities.
“There are allegations of drug, alcohol, and marijuana sessions inside the park. After 5 August, the complex was also vandalised and looted, and various items were taken away,” he said.
He said the absence of regular maintenance and sufficient security had made the area increasingly unsafe, particularly in the evening.
Mini Bangladesh was conceived as a place where visitors could see miniature versions of important landmarks from across the country.
Among them were the National Parliament Building, Curzon Hall and the Sona Mosque. At its peak, the attraction drew visitors from different parts of Bangladesh.
The complex was built in 2006 at a cost of around Tk56 crore and was initially named the “Zia Memorial Complex” during the BNP government under then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in memory of former president Ziaur Rahman.
The choice of Kalurghat was also significant, as the area is closely associated with the Liberation War and the declaration of independence.
During the subsequent Awami League government, the complex was renamed Swadhinata Complex. It was vandalised and looted following the July uprising and has not resumed normal operations since.
One of its most prominent features was the 71-metre-high Swadhinata Tower. A revolving restaurant at the top once offered views of Chittagong city, the Karnaphuli River and surrounding areas.
The tower is now closed, while several components and structures associated with it have reportedly been stolen.
At present, some local political party leaders and activists, together with five Ansar members, are reportedly overseeing the premises. Locals, however, say the security arrangement is not enough to protect such a large property.
The closure has also left visitors disappointed. Abdul Karim, who recently brought his family to the attraction, said they were unaware that it had been closed for so long.
“I came with my family to see Mini Bangladesh. But after arriving, I found the place abandoned and closed. We could not enter and had to spend time outside,” he said.
For locals, the loss goes beyond an amusement park. At a time when Chattogram already has few large-scale public entertainment facilities, Mini Bangladesh also served as a representation of the country’s history, architecture and heritage.
They fear that continued neglect could cause permanent damage to the structures and make their eventual restoration far more costly.
For now, behind its locked gates, Mini Bangladesh remains a place designed to bring the country together in miniature, while nature and neglect steadily reclaim the space.
