Chattogram’s Zia Memorial Complex, popularly known as “Mini Bangladesh”, may finally reopen after more than two years of closure, vandalism and neglect. The prospect of revival follows a video report by The Business Standard last month highlighting the complex’s deteriorating condition.
The Chattogram district administration has since launched a cleaning drive at the site under its “Porishkar Kori Nagar Gram, Gori Nandanik Chattogram” campaign and begun discussions with the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs on repairing the damaged structures.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia said, “The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs is working on how to resume operations of the complex and present it more attractively. They have assured us that they will soon initiate the tender process for repairing the damaged structures”.
He added that the cleaning drive was undertaken ahead of the planned renovation so visitors could find a decent environment when the complex reopens.
The complex has been closed since 5 August 2024, when miscreants vandalised and looted it following the fall of the Awami League government. Its private operator also left, leaving the state-owned property largely unattended.
The 71-metre-high Independence Tower suffered some of the worst damage. Officials said looters removed glass panels, air conditioners, fans, electric lights and components of its revolving system.
Chattogram-8 lawmaker Ershad Ullah, who attended the cleaning programme, said virtually everything from grilles to electrical wiring had been stolen or damaged. He proposed constructing a monument commemorating independence while restoring the existing structures through a tender process.
The latest initiative is the first visible sign of action after repeated calls to restore the facility, whose structures have continued to deteriorate as vegetation spread across the 16.37-acre site.
