‘Mini Bangladesh’ gets a revival push after two years of closure, neglect

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.

Photo: Collected

Independence Tower bears brunt

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.

Photo: Collected

From major attraction to neglected property

Built at a cost of about Tk56 crore, the complex opened in 2006 to showcase Bangladesh's history, heritage and architecture through miniature replicas of landmarks including the National Parliament, Ahsan Manzil, Curzon Hall, Lalbagh Fort, Kantajew Temple and Paharpur Buddhist Monastery.

Its 71-metre, 23-storey Independence Tower, built to symbolise the 1971 Liberation War, was the main attraction. A Tk70 ticket gave visitors access to the tower and its revolving restaurant, which offered views of the Karnaphuli River, Chattogram city and surrounding hills.

The complex was later renamed Swadhinata Complex before the Liberation War Affairs Ministry restored its original name, Zia Memorial Complex, through a notification in August this year.

The heritage replicas, amusement rides and tower also made it a significant revenue earner. Chattogram City Corporation, which managed the park from January 2010 to April 2015, earned about Tk3.25 crore from ticket sales in fiscal 2014-15. Revenue stood at about Tk1.25 crore in 2015-16 up to 15 April.

The latest five-year private lease, from 10 December 2020 to 10 December 2025, required annual revenue payments of about Tk2.5 crore to the government.

Before its closure, the complex attracted around 700-800 visitors a day, rising to 1,000-1,200 on Fridays and Saturdays.

But the August 2024 vandalism brought operations to a halt. Rides, replicas and other infrastructure were left exposed to the elements, with recent reports documenting rusting rides, deteriorating structures and dense vegetation.

The cleaning drive is therefore more than a cosmetic exercise. It marks the first concrete move towards reviving a once-popular attraction that drew thousands of visitors and generated substantial revenue.

Whether it actually reopens, however, will depend on the promised repair tender and the government's decision on how the complex will be operated after restoration