The district administration has drawn up comprehensive plans to transform the 16.38-acre Zia Smriti Complex in Chattogram city into a cleaner, safer and more attractive destination for visitors.
The plans were outlined on Saturday during the inauguration of a cleanliness drive at Zia Smriti Complex. The drive is part of the district administration’s ongoing campaign, “Clean cities and villages, build an aesthetic Chattogram.”
Popularly known as “Mini Bangladesh,” the complex showcases replicas of several of the nation’s historic and traditional landmarks, including National Parliament Building, National Martyrs’ Memorial, Shaheed Minar, Kantaji Temple, Curzon Hall and Ahsan Manzil.
“Those who want to learn about Bangladesh, its history and culture can get an idea about many of the country’s important landmarks by visiting this place,” Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian said.
Recently, a TIMES of Bangladesh report published on 3 September, titled “Ctg’s ‘Mini Bangladesh’: Lost in the weeds,” detailed how the prominent historical landmark had been neglected after remaining closed to visitors for nearly two years.
Restoring a historical landmark
The complex holds immense historical significance due to its proximity to Kalurghat, an area closely tied to the emotions and interests of the public. The district administration aims to fully develop the site as a safe, high-quality recreational and educational venue.
However, several structures inside the complex have suffered damage in recent years. To address this, the district administration has contacted the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs regarding their renovation and the proper management of the complex.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, the ministry has assured that the damaged structures will be renovated through a speedy tender process.
In the meantime, the district administration has taken immediate steps to clean the entire complex and enhance its surroundings for visitors.
“We want people to come here, spend time in a safe and beautiful environment and learn about the history and traditions of our country,” Zahidul Islam said.
“At the same time, we want the next generation to grow up in a healthy environment and become skilled and capable citizens,” he added.
Cleanliness as a daily habit
Inaugurating the campaign, the deputy commissioner emphasised that government agencies or single institutions cannot achieve a clean and livable city alone.
“An individual or an institution alone can never change a city. Every citizen must understand their responsibility and take ownership of keeping the environment clean, beautiful and livable,” he said.
Cleanliness activities have been conducted across the district since 25 July. On the very first day, 6,220 government officials and employees removed approximately 135 metric tonnes of waste from the rooftops and premises of various government offices.
Similar cleaning drives have since been carried out at different ponds and at Patenga Beach.
On Saturday, besides Zia Smriti Complex, cleaning activities were carried out at several ponds in Chandgaon and Patiya, as well as other locations across the district. The initiative will continue to be expanded throughout the year in phases.
“We do not want this to remain a programme for a specific day or period,” the DC said.
“We want cleanliness to become a habit. Once it becomes a habit, people will keep their surroundings clean on their own without waiting for a particular day or campaign,” he added.
Wider aesthetic and social reforms
The district administration has initiated several other projects to improve the aesthetic appeal of Chattogram, including work to develop Patenga Beach into an international-standard tourist destination, with further initiatives planned in phases.
Ershad Ullah, MP from the Chattogram-8 constituency, welcomed the initiative and urged the authorities to turn the cleanliness campaign into a wider social movement.
“Cleaning the country and the environment is not enough; we must also keep our minds clean,” he said, calling on citizens to share civic responsibility with the administration.
He also suggested expanding these activities to schools, colleges and universities to instil these values in the younger generation.
The cleanliness drive saw active participation from the Member of Parliament for Chattogram-8, the Divisional Commissioner, the Chattogram Range DIG, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner, senior officials of the district and divisional administrations, law enforcement personnel, public representatives, media professionals and local citizens.
The district administration has urged all citizens to participate from their respective positions to help establish cleanliness as a continuous social movement.
