Tale of an Old Park: The Bahadur Shah Park
Enriched with wonderful architectural features, the
historical 'Bahadur Shah Park' is found in Laxmibazar, Old Dhaka. During the
primary half the 19th century, Nawab Khwaja Abdul Ghani, the primary Nawab of
Dhaka recognised by British Raj, took the initiative of building this park.
History says, from the time of its construction till 1957,
the park was referred to as 'Victoria Park', which was named after Victoria ,
former Queen of British Empire and Empress of India. Later, in 1957, the park
was renamed after the last Mughal emperor, Mirza Abu Zafar Sirajuddin Muhammad
Bahadur Shah Zafar, popularly referred to as Bahadur Shah II.
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| The Bahadur Shah Park |
Right before establishing this park, the Armenians founded a
club for them, referred to as 'Anta Ghar' where they wont to play different
indoor games like- tennis, badminton, billiards, and far more. The club was
later demolished by English . consistent with many, there was an open place
beside the club referred to as 'Anta Gharer Maidan'. In 1857, during the Indian
Mutiny against colonial rulers, English soldiers publicly executed the failed
mutineers by hanging them from different trees of the place.
The following year, at an equivalent spot, the commissioner
of Dhaka Division read out the announcement of Queen Victoria's direct rule
over India. Since, Indian Mutiny happened so as to re-establish the rule of
Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II, by ending British rule, in 1957, the park was
named after him as 'Bahadur Shah Park'. A tall historical monument in memory of
the martyred sepoys was also erected at that point .
The park features a great historical significance whose
remarkable glory and architectural beauty also are of great worth. There are
two entrances and two memorials (the tallest one is situated at the eastern
side, in memory of the martyred sepoys and therefore the other one is Khawja
Hafijullah obelisk). there's another small obelisk signifying the throne of
Victoria , and a star-shaped octagonal fountain that stands within the middle
of the park. The boundaries of the park are enclosed with iron railing.
Khawja Hafijullah obelisk, the pillar made from granite, was
established in 1885, after the death of Khawja Hafijullah, the grandson of
Nawab Khwaja Abdul Ghani and son of Nawab Ahsanullah Khan.
As it is found during a very populous and busy area of the
old town surrounded by important institutions like- Dhaka Judges Court,
different banks, Jagannath University, Kabi Nazrul College and lots of more,
the park has became an area for social gatherings. In fact, it's separate
seating arrangements for ladies also . Often you'll find young students
chatting and playing music to entertain people. aside from these, one can take
a morning enter the park. there's also a morning walker association who offers
membership to people that want to enjoy the serenity of this park within the
morning.
At present, thanks to lack of proper maintenance, the
previous ambience of Bahadur Shah Park is gradually losing its magnificence.
Most of the sculptures also because the overall environment are in decrepit
condition.
This historic park will surely cause you to feel the vibe of
the auld langsyne . Every day, people from all walks of life come to go to the
park – some knowing the importance of this place, while some simply to possess
an honest time with in and amongst nature.
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