New tourist facilities inaugurated at Tripura Memorial Park honouring Bangladesh’s freedom fighters
According to a Hindustan Times report, the memorial, opened in 2017, now features a cafeteria, 10 gazebos, two welcome gates and a toilet block aimed at enhancing the experience for visitors
Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has inaugurated a set of new facilities worth ₹4.50 crore at Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Udyan, a memorial park in South Tripura's Chottakhola dedicated to the 'muktiyuddhas' who fought in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
According to a Hindustan Times report, the memorial, opened in 2017, now features a cafeteria, 10 gazebos, two welcome gates and a toilet block aimed at enhancing the experience for visitors.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Chowdhury highlighted Chottakhola's historic role during the war, saying it was a key area in defending Chattogram and Cumilla.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Muktiyuddhas, with the help of the Indian Army, had fought against the Pakistan Army. Ultimately, a new nation, Bangladesh, was created," he said.
The minister said guides will be appointed at the park to brief tourists, particularly those from outside Tripura, about the Chottakhola camp's significant contribution to defeating the Pakistan Army in the then East Pakistan.
"The park is the symbol of friendship between India and Bangladesh. We never considered the people from Bangladesh as enemies because of the historical bond," he added.
Chowdhury also revealed plans for a new tourism circuit in South Tripura, incorporating the memorial park, Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its bison population, Pilak archaeological site, and the Buddhist Mahamuni Pagoda. He encouraged local youth to establish homestay facilities to cater to incoming visitors.
Additionally, he said Chief Minister Manik Saha had recently laid the foundation stone for a replica of the 51 Shakti Peethas at Bandower in Gomati district, a project costing ₹98 crore that is expected to be completed in 18 months. The minister expressed optimism that the structure would boost spiritual tourism in the state.
As part of efforts to promote tourism as an industry, the Tripura government will also host a festival to attract more visitors, he said.
