Swadhinata Stambha (Independence Monument) in Suhrawardy Udyan is going to get a complete shape as the government has planned to start work of the third phase of ‘Suhrawary Udyan Swadhinata Stambha Nirman’ project soon.
Under the project, the historic ‘7 March Speech’ of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s documentary heritage, the place where Pakistani occupation army surrendered and other historical events of Liberation War will be preserved.
“The remaining work of the master plan taken for Suhrawardy Udyan will be completed under the third phase of the project. Along with preserving the historical places and events of Liberation War, it would be possible to present the historic importance of Liberation War before the next generations,” said Juena Aziz, member of Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission. Talking to BSS, she said special measures will be taken to preserve the place from where Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered his historic ‘7 March Speech’ as this speech has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s documentary heritage. Under the project sculptures will be constructed at places where occupation Pakistani army surrendered to the joint force of Mukti Bahini and Indian Army and the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi delivered her speech after the Liberation War. Swadhinata Stambha plaza will be renovated and podium of the public meeting, cafeteria, benches and a water reservoir will be constructed.
Besides, murals will be set up on the walls of Shishu Park and 13 new rides will be included in the park.
Juena said Tk 265.44 crore has been allocated for the third phase of the project and the entire amount will come from the government exchequer. Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Public Works Division and Dhaka South City Corporation will jointly implement the third phase by June 2019.
In 1996, the then Awami League government decided to build a monument to restore the memories of the country’s Liberation War in Suhrawardy Udyan.
The foundation stone of the Swadhinata Stambha was laid in 1999. The construction of the project began in the same year. The construction was completed in two phases.
Under the first phase, the area allocated for the project was 24 acres and later the area was increased to 67 acres. The project included a 100 meter long glass tower, an underground museum, mural works, amphitheater, a number of walkway, a water body and a very special ‘eternal flame’.
Under the first phase, the then Awami League government built the VIP and Service Blocks and most of the walkways, water body, mural works and development of south plaza and marble works.
Later in 2002, the then BNP government set aside the glass-tower terming it a very costly one.
After coming to power in 2009, Awami League initiated the second phase of the project and started construction of the glass-tower and the design was revised increasing the height to 150 feet. On March 7, 2011, the government opened it for public.
