Bahadur Shah Park — Attraction in Dhaka Metropolitan

Bahadur Shah Park (Victoria Park)

'Victoria Park', which has changed, the current name 'Bahadur Shah Park'. It is located in Lakshmibazar, near the Sadarghat area of ​​Old Dhaka area of ​​Bangladesh. This park is a historic place. Where many historical events witnessed. You may find that the park is a square because there is a small road around this park.

Naming: At the end of the eighteenth century, there was Billiard Club of Armenians of Dhaka. The locals called the entrance The billiard balls were called locals called anta. From there, the word 'anantghar' came from. There was also a ground or field with the club house known as the Anantagar Maidan.

In 1858, after accepting the rule of Queen Victoria, India, the commissioner of the Dhaka Division read out an announcement in this regard. Since then this place has been named 'Victoria Park'. Until 1957 the park was known as Victoria Park. After the sepoy rebellion of 1857, the English rulers hanged a number of revolutionary sepoys after a provocative trial. Then, to scare the people, the soldiers of the sepoys were hanged and the tree branches of the field.

On the occasion of celebrating the centenary of Sepoy rebellion in 1957 (of course 1961), the park was renamed as a monument, Bahadur Shah Park. Sepoy rebellion was concluded with the end of the British rule to bring the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah II regime back. According to his name, his new name is 'Bahadur Shah Park'.

History: This field gained a special reputation in 1857. On 22 November 1857, the English Marine army attacked the Lalbagh fort in Dhaka to disarm local soldiers. But the sepoys prevented the war. They were executed and executed by a short marshal by taking the soldiers who were wounded in the war and escaped. After the trial, 11 soldiers were hanged publicly in front of the entrance grounds.

The bodies were kept hanging on the tree for many days to frighten the local people. After this incident, the dhabas were afraid to walk around the ground for a long time. Because the horror stories spread about this place. After suppressing the Sepoy Mutiny, the English created a monument in the Atamagara ground in memory of their soldiers.

Park location: The park is situated at the head of Laksmibazar, one of the main river ports of Dhaka, in Sadarghat area. There are seven roads gathered around the park. It is considered one of the most important areas of old Dhaka due to the presence of several government schools, colleges and universities, including the governmental establishment around it.

The St. Thomas Church on the north side of the park and the tank for the first water supply in Dhaka. In the northeast there is one of Dhaka's most popular college poet Nazrul Government College and Islamia High School, on the east there is one of the oldest government-run government Muslim schools in Dhaka, Jagannath University in the south-west corner. Dhaka's Judge Court is located just north of the park.

Apart from this, one of the most important areas of Dhaka, like Bangla Bazar, Islampur and Shakhari Bazar, is the main road in the park area, coming to new areas of Dhaka.

The park is surrounded by oval and iron railings. There are two main gates on the east and west side. Inside the railing, there is a paved road on the side of the railing.

Inspection schedule: From 5.00am to 9.00am every day. Break from 10.00am to 2.00pm. It is open from 3.00 pm to 10.30 minutes. No weekly closure. There is no fee to enter. Open to all.

How to get Bahadur Shah Park - Bahadur Shah Park in Gulistan with any bus, rickshaw or horse carriage in Sadarghat. A little easier to say: If you know Jagannath University, you will be able to find Bahadur Shah Park. Because the park is located on the opposite side of the gate of...

Enriched with wonderful architectural features, the historical 'Bahadur Shah Park' is located in Laxmibazar, Old Dhaka. During the first half of the 19th century, Nawab Khwaja Abdul Ghani, the first Nawab of Dhaka recognised by the British Raj, took the initiative of establishing this park.

History says, from the time of its construction till 1957, the park was known as 'Victoria Park', which was named after Queen Victoria, former Queen of the 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 known as Bahadur Shah II.

Right before establishing this park, the Armenians founded a club for them, known as 'Anta Ghar' where they used to play different indoor games like- tennis, badminton, billiards, and much more. The club was later demolished by the English. According to many, there was an open place beside the club known as 'Anta Gharer Maidan'. In 1857, during the Sepoy Mutiny against colonial rulers, the English soldiers publicly executed the failed mutineers by hanging them from different trees of the place.

The following year, at the same spot, the commissioner of Dhaka Division read out the announcement of Queen Victoria's direct rule over India. Since, Sepoy Mutiny took place in order to re-establish the rule of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II, by ending the 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 time.

The park has a great historical significance whose remarkable glory and architectural beauty are also 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 the other one is Khawja Hafijullah obelisk). There is another small obelisk signifying the throne of Queen Victoria, and a star-shaped octagonal fountain that stands in the middle of the park. The boundaries of the park are enclosed with iron railing.

Khawja Hafijullah obelisk, the pillar made of 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 located in 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 many more, the park has turned into a place for social gatherings. In fact, it has separate seating arrangements for women as well. Often you may find young students chatting and playing music to entertain people. Apart from these, one can take a morning walk in the park. There is also a morning walker association who offers membership to people who want to enjoy the serenity of this park in the morning.

At present, due to lack of proper maintenance, the former ambience of Bahadur Shah Park is gradually losing its magnificence. Most of the sculptures as well as the overall environment are in decrepit condition.

This historic park will surely make you feel the vibe of the old times. Every day, people from all walks of life come to visit the park – some knowing the significance of this place, while some simply to have a good time with in and...

Bahadur Shah Park, nestled in the heart of Old Dhaka, is more than just a green space; it's a living monument to Bangladesh's tumultuous past. While perhaps not a sprawling, manicured garden, its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere make it a compelling destination for anyone seeking a glimpse into the soul of this ancient city. Historically, the park is hallowed ground. It was here, in 1857, that numerous rebellious sepoys and their civilian sympathizers were publicly hanged by the British colonial rulers following the Sepoy Mutiny. Originally known as Victoria Park, it was renamed Bahadur Shah Park in 1957 to commemorate Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal emperor, who was exiled by the British after the same uprising. Walking through the park, one can almost feel the weight of history, a poignant reminder of the struggles for independence. The central obelisk stands as a silent witness to these tragic events. Beyond its historical gravitas, Bahadur Shah Park is a lively hub of local life. You'll find people from all walks of life here – students studying, hawkers selling their wares, friends catching up, and families enjoying a moment of respite from the chaotic energy of Old Dhaka. It's a fantastic spot for people-watching, offering an authentic slice of everyday Bangladeshi life. The surrounding area is bustling with street food vendors, small shops, and the distinctive architecture of Old Dhaka, all adding to the park's immersive experience. While the park itself isn't particularly large or overflowing with elaborate landscaping, its charm lies in its simplicity and its vital role as a community gathering place. The mature trees provide welcome shade, and the benches offer a chance to sit and soak in the atmosphere. It's a place where history intertwines with the present, where the echoes of the past resonate with the sounds of contemporary Old Dhaka. For tourists, Bahadur Shah Park is an essential stop. It's easily accessible and provides a unique insight into a pivotal moment in South Asian history, alongside a vibrant snapshot of local culture. Don't expect a pristine, manicured garden; instead, prepare for an experience that is raw, authentic, and deeply moving. It's a place that truly encapsulates the spirit...