Osmani Udyan Reopens After Nine Years with New Memorial

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 24, 2026

Osmani Udyan, a major park in Dhaka, reopened on October 19 after nearly nine years of redevelopment that included new memorials and upgraded facilities, with visitors now required to pay a Tk 10 entrance fee. While the renovation marks a milestone, concerns remain over reduced greenery, incomplete amenities, and maintenance challenges, highlighting tensions between urban development and environmental preservation.

After nearly nine years of closure due to extensive redevelopment, Osmani Udyan, a prominent park in Dhaka, officially reopened on October 19. The renovated space, located between the Bangladesh Secretariat and Nagar Bhaban, now features a new memorial dedicated to the July 2024 mass uprising, along with upgraded walking paths, water features, and other amenities. Public access began the following day, with visitors required to pay an entrance fee of Tk 10.

Osmani Udyan, managed by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), has long been regarded as a vital green space offering respite from the urban bustle of Gulistan and Old Dhaka. Named after General MAG Osmani, the commander-in-chief during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, the park formerly included natural lakes, walking paths, sculptures, and an auditorium. However, over the years it faced challenges including encroachment, security issues, and environmental degradation.

The recent redevelopment project, initially launched in late 2017 with an expected completion within about 10 months, experienced significant delays due to design changes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and contractor issues. Costs escalated from early estimates around Tk 58 crore to approximately Tk 147 crore for the combined redevelopment and memorial construction. The work included the creation of the July Memorial, a roughly 90-foot-tall structure on a one-acre site, featuring metal plates commemorating the 834 victims of the July 2024 uprising, symbolic gravestones, and relief sculptures depicting key moments in Bangladesh’s history.

While the reopening marked a significant milestone, visitors noted that much of the park’s greenery has been replaced by concrete structures, and ongoing maintenance issues have yet to be fully addressed. On an inspection visit shortly after reopening, one of the two large lakes was found dry, while the other was littered and overgrown with algae. Several planned facilities, including a library, gymnasium, and indoor game zone, remained closed as beautification efforts continued.

Longtime Dhaka residents expressed mixed feelings about the park’s transformation. Some welcomed the reopening as a chance to revive childhood memories and provide outdoor space for their children. Others lamented the reduced greenery and questioned the imposition of an entrance fee, arguing that a public park should remain free and accessible to all.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who inaugurated the renovated park, emphasized the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation. He urged citizens to help maintain the cleanliness and natural beauty of Osmani Udyan and described the park’s features as valuable public assets.

As Osmani Udyan reopens its gates, its future depends on DSCC’s ability to complete pending works, maintain the environment, and ensure that this historic urban green space remains accessible for all Dhaka residents. The city’s long wait highlights the ongoing challenge of preserving natural refuges amid urban development pressures.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.