Zia Smriti Complex set for major renovation

The ‘Zia Smriti Complex’ at Kalurghat in Chattogram is set to undergo major renovations very soon, with plans to give the landmark facility a more attractive and modern look.

Confirming the matter Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Jahidul Islam Mian said that there are very few recreational spaces offering a healthy environment for our people. Anyone who appreciates Bangladeshi culture and history can learn more about the country thanks to these structures.

“Kalurghat represents a significant historic location within Chattogram that holds considerable importance to Bangladesh's independence movement, as it served as the location from which Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared independence, thereby establishing its designation as the Shaheed Zia Complex,” he added.

He further stated, "People maintain profound emotional connections and considerable interest in this location. We are deliberating on approaches to enhance its aesthetic and functional qualities, and we have already engaged in consultations with the relevant ministry to this end”.

He added, “Following the events of August 5, the Zia Smriti Complex experienced vandalism, resulting in substantial structural damage. The preceding administration relinquished responsibility for the site and departed."

Sources said that the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs is currently engaged in developing strategies for more efficient administration of this complex.

We have established communication with the ministry. The general public expresses a desire to visit and experience this location. The ministry will commence the competitive bidding process in the immediate future, they added.

The Deputy Commissioner articulated the district administration's commitment to enhancing the complex's standing, stating, "Our objective is to establish an agreeable environment.

So, we have convened today to undertake a comprehensive cleaning initiative. We shall restore the entire premises to ensure that citizens have access to a secure recreational destination."

The 'Zia Smriti Complex' commenced operations in 2006, encompassing 16.38 acres situated adjacent to the Kalurghat Betar Kendra (Radio Station) within the Chandgaon locality of Chattogram city.

Later, its design was modified to 'Swadhinata Complex' (Independence Complex).

DC Jahidul Islam said architectural reproductions of numerous historically significant structures—including Ahsan Manzil, the Jatiya Sangsad, Lalbagh Fort, Curzon Hall, the National Martyrs' Memorial, Choto Sona Mosque, Kantajew Temple, and Paharpur Buddhist Vihara—were established throughout the premises.

As a result, the complex acquired the colloquial designation 'Mini Bangladesh', he added.

Following the events of August 5, 2024, the site experienced deliberate destruction. Following, this facility administered by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has remained substantially unoccupied. Owing to prolonged disregard, numerous architectural elements within the complex have been overtaken by dense vegetation, and structural deterioration has manifested in certain installations.

On August 12, an official directive promulgated by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs officially redesignated the complex as the 'Zia Memorial Complex'.