Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq said a three-tier security has been taken in and around the Ekushey Book Fair venue. The DMP commissioner said this while talking to reporters  after visiting the book fair venue at Suhrawardy Udyan on Tuesday afternoon. Read more: Ekushey Book Fair to span entire February again after two years He said there is no specific threat to anyone centering the  book fair. “However, if any author or publisher feels insecurity, we will keep a close eye on him/her,” he added. CCTV cameras have been installed at the fair venue. Besides, 1500 police personnel will be deployed to ensure the overall security of the fair. Read more: DMP bans gathering, carrying of arms around JS He also said that they have made special arrangements so that visitors can easily enter the book fair. There will be separate gates for entering and exiting the fair and the visitors will be checked by the archway and metal detectors, added the DMP chief. There will be parking arrangements at the fair venue, he said.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to the conquered country 25 days after independence of Bangladesh - on January 10, 1972. There is no such homecoming in the history. Homecoming is not just a come back to 'sweet home,' a return to the country, the soil of the country, and the people after a lifelong struggle to finally return to the firm hope of building a dream-Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal). Waiting for 28 days (9 months 12 days) to return home as a winner, while in the prison in Pakistan it was either death, or freedom. No, not death; Sheikh Mujib made the independence of his men and motherland after about 23 years of struggle, and a total of 13 years of imprisonment. He faced execution twice (1969 and 1971) but survived to implement the country's independence. When the Bengalis was united for independence at the call of Bangabandhu, the Pakistani military launched a brutal attack on the night of March 25, 1971 on the independence-loving Bengalis and arrested Bangabandhu from his Dhanmondi residence on March 26 at 1.20 pm, shortly after he declared the independence of Bangladesh. He could have escaped if he wanted to. But Bangabandhu was not such a man. In an interview with British journalist David Fraser, he made it clear: 'I thought it is better I die and at least save my people who love me so much. I am their leader, I will embrace death if necessary, but why should I escape? 'However, after the victory of Bangladesh, on international pressure Bangabandhu was released from prison on the morning of January 8, 1972. After his release, he returned to the country on January 10, 1972, via London and Delhi. When the plane carrying Bangabandhu touched the runway of Tejgaon Airport that afternoon, countless crowds greeted their undisputed leader with cheers and sky-scraping 'Joy Bangla' slogans. Bangabandhu went to Suhrawardy Udyan (then Racecourse Maidan) straight from the airport, where he one day urged millions of Bengalis to jump into the freedom struggle. There, he congratulated the country's people in an emotional voice for snatching victory in the bloody liberation war and called upon all to dedicate themselves to rebuilding the war-torn country. Read More: Bangabandhu’s Homecoming Day today As soon as he returned to the country on January 10, 1972, getting him back alive millions of Bengalis welcomed him at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan, where once he called for independence ten months back. He firmly called upon people, "If my people are killed again, then my request to you is: 'build fortress in every home'. In his words, the desire to liberate the motherland has fascinated the whole nation, provoked, 'Remember, since we have given blood, we will give more, by we will surely liberate liberate the people of this country, inshallah.' He emphasized, 'The struggle this time is the struggle for our liberation. The struggle this time is the struggle for our independence.' After returning to the country, the father of the nation started tidying up the country. In the beginning, he gave his focus in formulating the state policies- the principles on which the new country Bangladesh would be governed. Mujibbad gave a remarkable imprint of the life, culture, and heritage of the land and people of the country in politics, gifted with his political experience, wisdom, foresight, and the uniqueness of independent Bengal. He was not unaware of the plight of ordinary people in the war-torn country. He expressed his determination to alleviate their suffering as follows: "From today my request, from today my command, from today my order, as a brother-not as a leader, nor as to the president or as the prime minister, I am your brother, you are my brothers. This independence of mine will be futile-if the people of my Bengal are not fully fed on rice, this independence of mine will not be fulfilled-if the mothers and sisters of Bengal do not get clothes, this independence of mine will not be fulfilled-if the mothers and sisters of this country do not get clothes for the protection of their modesty, this independence of mine will not be fulfilled-if the people of this country, the youth of mine, do not find employment or do not get jobs." Read More: Anne de Henning’s rare photos of Bangladesh’s birth, Bangabandhu to have Dhaka exhibit Dec 15-24 The drafting of the constitution reflected the idea of local, and not the imitation of other developed countries. The views of the people were reflected in the constitution; 98 recommendations were adopted on the basis of public opinion. Bangabandhu always emphasized the will and needs of the people first. In just nine months, Bangabandhu presented the nation with one of the world's best constitutions, which was adopted by the National Assembly on November 4, 1972, and came into effect from December 16 (Victory Day). Speaking on the constitution in the parliament, the country's architect said: "This constitution is written in the blood of the martyrs. This constitution will survive as a tangible symbol of the hopes and aspirations of the entire people." It is unknown whether anyone else in history got a chance to speak about the passion and love that Bangabandhu expressed at the people's reception at all levels. Emotional Bangabandhu said at that auspicious time; my Bangladesh has become independent today. "My Bangladesh has been independent today, my life's desire has been fulfilled today, the people of my Bengal have been liberated today. My Bengal will remain free. Today I won't be able to make a speech. The way the sons of Bengal, the mothers of Bengal, the peasants of Bengal, the laborers of Bengal, the intellectuals of Bengal did struggle, I was imprisoned, was ready and waiting to go to the gallows. But I knew that they could not suppress my Bangalees. The people of my Bengal would be liberated." Read More: ‘Intense, fragile, powerful’: Forbes effusively lauds Paris exhibit on Bangladesh’s birth, Bangabandhu Sitting in a dark cell of a prison (multiple prisons - Karachi, Faisalabad) and dreaming of freedom, he was not sure he would return to his beloved motherland alive. "I did not know I would return to you", fascinated by the motherland, Bangabandhu uttered. "I have come. I did not know I was sentenced to death by hanging. A grave was dug for me beside my cell. I prepared myself, I said I'm a Bangalee, I'm a man, I'm a Muslim-who dies once not twice. I said, if death comes to me, I'll die laughing." Although Bangabandhu was imprisoned in Pakistan from March 26, 1971 to January 8, 1972 (9 months and 12 days), obviously he was alive in Bangladesh's consciousness and liberation struggle, and inspired them for nine months. He was the President of the Mujibnagar Government and the first President of the country. In his physical absence or absence, the four national leaders conducted the Mujibnagar government i.e., the war of liberation, by embracing his ideals, thoughts, and consciousness. Although he was in prison in Pakistan, he was not unaware of the atrocities that the Pakistanis had inflicted on the Bengalis in the nine-month war. Mentioning that 3 million people have been killed in the war, Bangabandhu aggrieved, "In the Second World War and also in the First World War, such a number of people, such a number of common citizens did not die, were not martyred, which happened in my 7-crore people's Bangladesh." While in prison in Pakistan, he was never disturbed or intimidated by the thought of execution. His compassion for the country was expressed in his speech: "I told just one thing, I have no objection if you kill me. Please return my dead body to my Bangalees, this is my only request to you."   He was a prison, but he believed that no one could keep the Bengalis in suppress. Bangladesh would be independent. And so he prepared in his mind about what to build an independent country. That is why he did not have to hurry or take time to concentrate on the task of building a Sonar Bangla, including the drafting of the constitution in the earliest possible time. The ruthless Pakistani military could not kill this great humane-the leader of the seven-crore Bangali. But he had to give his life in the hands of his 'loved' ones, in the plan of the very own traitors, while the chief mastermind Mushtaq sent the cooked the sand duck to Bangabandhu's home just two days ago (13 August). Who knew that this 'lovely' feast was also an exercise in plotting to assassinate Bangabandhu! By killing Bangabandhu, the murderous circle silenced his dream of Sonar Bangla. The Bangladeshi forms of politics that he has formulated in this country taken from the soil and people's lives was also blocked. When the people of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Bangabandhu, were determined to transform the country into Sonar Bangla in a democratic state system with a secular mindset of the 1970s, they stopped that progress by killing him and went back to the 'religion'-centric social divisions like the 1940s. Read More: What Was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Childhood Like? But the killers did not know that Bangabandhu could be killed and could not be kept suppressed (dabay rakha). He was, is, and will, always be. That is why the people overthrew the then military government in the late 1990s, overcoming all obstacles and bearing his secular mentality. He has always been equally popular, no matter whether his party is in power or not. For example, in a 2004 BBC poll, Bangabandhu was elected the greatest Bengali of all time (then the BNP-led government in power (2001-2006)). In 2005, the High Court quashed the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution and ruled to restore the 1972 constitution, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2010. Meanwhile, since 2010, people have rallied in various places, including the capital, to restore the 1972 constitution. In this favorable environment, the government led by his daughter restored the main provisions of the 1972 constitution in 2011. In addition to any emergency of the Awami League, Bangabandhu is still more relevant and influential in any crisis of the nation. As long as Bangladesh, so long Bangabandhu. In fact, Bangladesh and Bangabandhu are synonymous. On the question of Bangabandhu's relevance, Bengali economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen recently stated that 'Bangabandhu and his ideals are still relevant'. He further emphasized that Bangabandhu's philosophy and ideology should be imitated in the conflicting contemporary world, especially in South and South-East Asia. Bangabandhu's need for secularism and religious freedom in resolving ethnic and religious conflicts not only in Asia but also in the Western world is undeniable and socialist democracy is essential to build an exploitation-free society. The country lost its genuine architect and friend- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib a quarter century ago. But he was, is, will be in the arteries of Bengalis: "As long as Padma, Meghna, Gouri, Jamuna flows on, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, your accomplishment will also live on." Read More: Ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Can Inspire the Young Generation Dr. Ala Uddin, Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Chittagong. Email: [email protected]

Thousands of Awami League leaders and activists have gathered at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan this morning to make their 22nd National Council a success. The theme of this year’s council is: “Development journey under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina with the determination to build a developed, prosperous and smart Bangladesh of Bangabandhu’s dream”. According to party sources, the council usually goes on for two days but this time, it will be held for a day. Keeping the global recession in mind, AL has taken this initiative of curtailing the programme. About 7,000 councilors and lakhs of delegates are expected to participate in this year’s National Council. The first session will begin at 10:30 am today. There will be a break for lunch and prayers. Party sources said that Awami League will form its executive committee, taking into consideration the 12th national election scheduled for early 2024. Also read: AL invites BNP leaders to its 22nd national council Saturday Those who will assume leadership will confront all domestic and foreign conspiracies and work to implement the election manifesto of Awami League. A spectacular stage has been erected in the shape of a boat at Suhrawardy Udyan. The stage is 80 feet long and 44 feet wide. There will be five gates for entry. One of these is a VIP gate, while the other four are for councilors. The gates were opened for councilors and delegates from 7 am. Councilors and delegates are seen entering the venue through the gates amid tight security.  

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Tuesday that the dispute over allocating space for BNP’s rally on December 10 will be resolved soon. “A problem surfaced over the venue for BNP’s December 10 rally and there is no solution yet,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma at the Secretariat. Replying to a question, the minister said “I am always optimistic, and I am optimistic over it. Whatever the situation is, a solution will come out.” Read more: BNP to avoid AL's trap over December-10 rally: Gayeshwar  “There is no reason for the people to panic. On behalf of my party, I want to say that we are in power, why would we want to create any unrest? Why will we do something that could create panic? We don’t need that,” he said.   “Now, if anybody attacks us, if there is any instigation, if they jump on us, will we sit idle? We hope the opposition will hold their rally peacefully,” he said. Referring to the visit of the Indian High Commissioner, Quader said “There are many projects under road communication , and we have discussed the progress of the projects. We also discussed the Teesta issue. In reply to the Teesta issue, he said he will try his best (to resolve it).” On September 27, BNP announced a series of public rallies in 10 divisional cities. The party will conclude the divisional programmes by holding its last rally in Dhaka on December 10. Police in Dhaka have asked BNP to hold the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, but BNP is determined to dol its rally in front of its party headquarters at Naya Paltan in Dhaka. Read more: December-10 rally: BNP delegation sits with IGP The BNP has long been demanding that the next general election be held under a caretaker government, not under any political government--a demand sharply rejected by the ruling Awami League as the constitution does not contain any such provision.    

Thousands of Awami Jubo League activists from different districts of the country started gathering at capital’s Suhrawary Udyan since Friday morning to join the grand youth rally marking its golden jubilee The rally of the youth front of the ruling Awami League is scheduled to start at around 2.30 pm, Awami Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash told UNB Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also the president of Awami League, will address the rally as the chief guest. The city is bracing for traffic jams as slogan-chanting activists marched towards the rally venue in processions and on vehicles. Also read: Jubo League gears up for golden jubilee rally Friday Dhaka University's TSC, Mall Chattar, VC Chattar, Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, Suhrwardy Udyan and its surrounding areas were filled with processions. Leaders and activists from across the country have come to join the rally wearing t-shirts made especially for the occasion.

The High Court on Sunday rejected a writ petition against tree felling  at historical Suhrawardy Udyan for installation of commercial establishments. The virtual bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and SM Maniruzzaman turned down the petition.  Lawyer Syeda Rizwana Hasan presented the petitioners while Additional Attorney General Sheikh Mohammad Morshed stood for the state.  “This is one of the mega projects of the government and no establishment will be built there on commercial basis. The government is implementing the HC directive issued in 2009,” Said Additional Attorney General Sheikh Mohammad Morshed.  Also read: Writ petition filed against tree cutting at Suhrawardy Udyan The project is being implemented according to the report of a 6-member committee formed in this regard , the project is being implemented without harming the environment, he said. Earlier, on September 13 the court fixed today for final hearing on the writ.  On May 9, six organisations and an individual filed the writ petition to stop tree cutting at Suhrawardy Udyan. Also read: No tree to be felled unnecessarily at Suhrawardy Udyan: Project Director The petitioners are - Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Association for Land Reforms and Development (ALRD), Nijera Kori, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and architect Mobassher Hossain. The petitioners also sought issuance of a rule seeking explanation as to why cutting of ancient and historic trees at Suhrawardy Udyan on the pretext of constructing monument of independence will not be announced illegal and unconstitutional, why construction of commercial establishments going beyond the main design will not be declared illegal and why directive should not be given to evict the already constructed establishments.  Dhaka South City Corporation  Mayor , Secretaries to the  Ministry of Housing and Public Works, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and  the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Chief  Forest Conservator, RAJUK chairman ,Director General of  Environment Department and Chief engineer of Department of Public Works were made respondents to the rule.

The High Court on Tuesday (May 11, 2021) issued a verbal order to halt cutting trees at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan till May 20. Justice Mamunur Rahman and Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman’s virtual bench gave the order while hearing a contempt of court petition against Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and three government officials. The court directed Attorney General AM Amin Uddin to notify the authorities concerned and fixed May 20 for the next hearing on tree felling at Suhrawardy Udyan. Also read: No tree to be felled unnecessarily at Suhrawardy Udyan: Project Director Advocate Manzil Murshid filed the contempt petition on May 9, three days after serving a legal notice to the respondents. The notice was sent to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Chief Engineer of Public Work Division Shamim Akhtar and Chief Architect of Bangladesh Mir Manjur Rahman. Also read: The fight to save Dhaka's 'oxygen bank' On May 6, another legal notice was sent to the authorities concerned to stop cutting trees by six different organisations and an individual. The notice was sent to Dhaka South City Corporation, Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Local Government Division, RAJUK, Department of Environment and Department of Public Works. Also read: 'Project rolled out to make March 7 venue a wonder to behold' A writ petition was filed in this regard on May 9, as the authorities didn’t respond to this notice either. The petitioners were - Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Association for Land Reforms and Development (ALRD), Nijera Kori, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and architect Mobassher Hossain.

A writ petition was filed at the High Court on Sunday to stop tree cutting at historical Suhrawardy Udyan in the pretext of beautification. On behalf of six organisations and an individual, advocate Minhajul Haque Chowdhury submitted the writ petition. The petitioners are - Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Association for Land Reforms and Development (ALRD), Nijera Kori, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and architect Mobassher Hossain. Also read: The fight to save Dhaka's 'oxygen bank' Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice SM Monirujjaman’s bench may hold a hearing on the writ petition on May 19. On May 6, a legal notice was sent to the authorities concerned to stop cutting the trees. The notice was sent to Dhaka South City Corporation, Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Local Government Division, RAJUK, Department of Environment and Department of Publik Works. Also read: No tree to be felled unnecessarily at Suhrawardy Udyan: Project Director A writ petition was filed today as the respondents did not respond to the notice. Petition against government officials Lawyer Manzil Murshid has filed a writ petition for issuing a contempt of court rule against three government officials, including a secretary for cutting trees in Suhrawardy Udyan, in violation of the 2009 HC directives. He said, “Following a writ petition on July 7, 2009, the HC directed the government to identify and preserve all the important historic places related to the Liberation War.” Also read: 'Project rolled out to make March 7 venue a wonder to behold' The court also ordered to set up memorial monuments of international standard at the historic places at Suhrawardy Udyan, removing all other establishments excluding the one related to the Liberation War, he said. “In complete violation of the court order, many trees had already been cut down at Suhrawardy Udyan for establishing restaurants and satisfy business interest,” said Murshid.

As the government gives priority to saving trees, no tree will be felled unnecessarily while implementing the mega plan at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan. "For that reason, the government will start planting trees in the coming monsoon and at least 1000 trees will be planted," said the project director of Shawdhinata Stambha (independence monument) construction project (Third Phase) at the Suhrawardy Udyan M Habibul Islam. He said that after the completion of the project it will take a beautiful look, he said. "We hope that those who are denouncing now will appreciate it at the end of the project, if they have that kind of mentality to appreciate," he said. He said that people have to give the government that time and accept the temporary loss of some trees now. Regarding the number of trees that will be cut down to implement the project, he said that the number of trees is not what is being shown in various photos in different newspapers, online media and social media. "Does anyone cut down trees by marking such ways and drawing others’ attention?" he questioned. Talking about the newly planted trees, M Habibul Islam, who is also joint secretary to the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, said that there will be various trees at Suhrawardy Udyan that flower throughout the year. "We will try to ensure that flowers bloom all the year round at Suhrawardy Udyan which will increase greenery and create that atmosphere we need," he said adding that there will also be gardeners to take care of these flowering trees. He mentioned that after constructing the infrastructures, tree plantation and setting up of rides of Shishu Park all will appreciate that a well-planned project has been done. Also read: 'Project rolled out to make March 7 venue a wonder to behold' The project director also refuted that there will be no restaurant in the area, rather there will be food kiosks. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved a mega plan of the Swadhinata Stambha construction (third phase) project in 2017. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works are jointly implementing the development project worth Tk 265.44 crore. The project kicked off on 1 January 2018, with June 2022 being the completion deadline. Under the project, the government will construct a 6.5km walkway and seven food kiosks on the premises of the park. National Development Engineers Ltd has won the contract to execute the project. Under the project, the location of the historic ‘7 March Speech’ of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the place where Pakistani occupation army surrendered and other historical events of the Liberation War will be preserved Sculptures will be constructed at places where the Pakistani army surrendered to the joint force of Mukti Bahini and Indian Army and then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi delivered her speech after the Liberation War. Swadhinata Stambha plaza will be renovated and a podium for public meeting, 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. Walkways are being widened so that people can walk avoiding the grass. Benches will be built for the visitors. Seven food kiosks are being built so people can enjoy good food there. There will be restrooms for men, women, children and persons with disability and  sheltering people during rain. Previously, Suhrawardy Udyan was the Race Course ground. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave his historic speech here on March7, 1971 by which he had prepared an unarmed nation for the Liberation War saying, “This time the struggle is for our freedom! This time struggle is for our independence!" Also read: The fight to save Dhaka's 'oxygen bank' The defeated Pakistan forces of the Independence War also surrendered at the Race Course ground on December 16, 1971. After independence, then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi delivered her speech here on March 17, 1972 during her visit to Bangladesh.  The Liberation War Affairs Ministry initiated the Swadhinata Stambha (independence monument) construction project at the Suhrawardy Udyan. The Department of Architecture under the Housing and Public Works Ministry designed the third phase of the project.  Construction of various structures, including an underground parking facility for 500 vehicles, a beautiful lake surrounded by walkways, an underpass, a mosque, a children park's with the latest rides, food kiosks, a power sub-station, a sculpture of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a sculpture on the site where Pakistan forces signed the instruments of surrender and the Indira Mancha, has been underway. Construction of the first phase of the Swadhinata Stambha began at Suhrawardy Udyan in 1998, spending Tk 262.88 crore in the first and the second phases. Works including a 150-feet glass tower construction, Shikha Chironton (eternal flame) at the north end of the ground, a lake, an underground museum, installing mural on wall, an open stage in front of Bangla Academy, a new gate and the metal fence surrounding the entire ground, have been completed at Suhrawardy Udyan in various phases. Meanwhile, the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, in a press release on 5 May, said the ministry is implementing a mega plan at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan to present the actual history of the Independence War to the future generation and to the world. "Though ‘several trees’ were felled during the implementation of the mega plan at Suhrawardy Udyan, initiative has been taken to plant about 1,000 more trees," it said.

The government has rolled out a project to make Suhrawardy Udyan – where Bangabandhu had delivered his landmark March 7 speech and Pakistani occupation forces surrendered on December 16 – a wonder to behold. Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said this Saturday during a press briefing at his official residence. Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, called on everyone not to worry about the project "as the government remains alert about the environmental concerns and is going ahead with a realistic plan." Also read: The fight to save Dhaka's 'oxygen bank' Also, M Habibul Islam, project director of Shawdhinata Stambha (Independence Monument) construction project (Phase III) at the Suhrawardy Udyan, said in the evening: "The government has given priority to saving trees and not felling any tree unnecessarily while implementing the mega plan at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan. At least one thousand trees will be planted in the coming rainy season." Prime minister Sheikh Hasina approved a mega plan in 2017. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works are jointly implementing the development project worth Tk265.44 crore. The project kicked off on January 1, 2018 with the deadline of June 2022. Under the project, the places of the historic March 7 Speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the places where the Pakistani occupation army surrendered and other historical events of the Liberation War took place will be preserved.