Chattogram City Corporation has reclaimed the grounds of the former Zia Shishu Park from the Army, with plans to restore the facility under its original name as a modern green eco-park.
Mayor Shahadat Hossain made the announcement on Tuesday, following an inspection of the Zia Memorial Museum alongside Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury.
Shahadat said the park is being reclaimed through discussions with the Army. He detailed that the site will be developed as an environmentally friendly green eco-park without any permanent structures, providing a serene environment for people of all ages.
During the visit, the mayor alleged that for the past 16 years, there have been various conspiracies to destroy the Zia Memorial Museum or erase its history. He noted that the museum had been kept neglected and besieged, with the sculpture of former president Ziaur Rahman covered in black cloth and visitors barred from entry.
The mayor recalled that despite numerous human chains, rallies, and formal requests to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to declare the museum a heritage site, no effective measures were taken by the previous administration.
Emphasising the historical importance of the site, the mayor remarked that Ziaur Rahman played a crucial role as a Sector Commander and the proclaimer of independence. He asserted that it is the state’s responsibility to preserve the memory of his martyrdom at the Chattogram Circuit House on 30 May 1981.
“If the state does not uphold this history, future generations will not forgive us. It is our moral duty to present the true history of the Liberation War,” the mayor said.
He expressed optimism that, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, renovation work at the museum would begin shortly, establishing it as a significant historical centre.
In addition to the museum and park projects, Shahadat confirmed that development and preservation works are currently ongoing at the Khulshi killing field (Boddhyobhumi) and Biplob Udyan.
