Photo: Prabir Das

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 amongst nature.