The historic Rose Garden in Tikatuli, Old Dhaka, no longer has the abundance of roses it was once known for. Many of the garden’s plants no longer bear flowers, and some have dried up as well.
When the Awami League was in power, the premises used to be bustling with the presence of party leaders and activists during various political programmes, including the party’s founding anniversary events. That scene is now largely a thing of the past.
However, students from different educational institutions, history enthusiasts, and ordinary visitors still come to explore this heritage site in Old Dhaka. Beyond its political identity, Rose Garden is now seen by many as a symbol of historical and architectural heritage.
It was from this very building that the Awami Muslim League began its journey on 23 June 1949. Over time, the party was renamed the Awami League. During the Pakistan period, it played a leading role in political movements and later in the Liberation War.
After being ousted from power following the mass uprising on 5 August 2024, the Awami League has not only faced a major political crisis but has also been legally banned. Party leaders, however, say such bans had also been imposed during the Pakistan era, and the party later returned to politics. They believe it will rise again this time as well.
While in power, the Awami League government purchased the privately owned Rose Garden in 2018 for Tk 331.70 crore. Considering its historical importance, a decision was taken to turn it into a museum. It is currently preserved as an archaeological site.
Despite the political changes, the government continues to maintain the building as a protected heritage site. A visit on Monday found the main building and its surroundings clean. Several workers were seen engaged in maintaining the garden and the structure. Visitors were seen either admiring the architecture or learning about its history. However, no crowd was seen gathering under the Awami League banner.
Local resident Md Sohel Mia said, “Earlier, senior leaders used to come here and there was media presence as well. Now there are no political programmes. But ordinary visitors still come like before. Many take photos and look around.”
A maintenance worker, requesting anonymity, said, “Earlier, many leaders and activists came during political events. Now that crowd is gone. But visitors have not decreased. Many come to learn about history.”
Jagannath University student Tanzim Hasan said, “Rose Garden should not be viewed only through the history of a political party. It is an important heritage structure of Old Dhaka. Political changes do not reduce its historical significance.”
A visitor named Ahsanul Haque, who came with his family, said, “I liked the environment inside. It is well maintained. I did not know much about its history before. I got the opportunity to learn about it.”
Wealthy businessman Rishikesh Das built the Rose Garden in 1931 on 22 bighas of land at KM Das Lane in Tikatuli, Old Dhaka. Various species of roses brought from home and abroad were planted around the property, which led to its name “Rose Garden”.
According to a popular story, Rishikesh Das was once insulted at a social event held at the nearby Baldha Garden. Following the incident, he decided to build an even more magnificent garden and palace.
The building was originally constructed for musical performances, cultural gatherings, and elite social events. However, due to his lavish lifestyle and heavy expenses, Rishikesh Das faced financial difficulties and eventually had to sell the property.
Later, it came into the possession of zamindar Bashiruddin Sarker of Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria. In 1936–37, prominent Dhaka businessman Khan Bahadur Kazi Abdur Rashid purchased the property and renamed it “Rashid Manzil.”
Rose Garden reflects influences of European and Greek architectural styles. The building features a large dome, Corinthian-style pillars, Belgian glass windows, crystal chandeliers, a ballroom, marble sculptures, and decorative fountains.
The two-storey building has eight rooms on the ground floor and five rooms on the upper floor, along with a large dance hall.
