Suhrawardy Udyan

Why this ground matters

Suhrawardy Udyan is not a conventional city park. This was the Ramna Race Course, where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave his pivotal 7 March 1971 speech. On 16 December that year, Pakistani forces formally surrendered here, ending the Bangladesh Liberation War. The ground was later renamed for Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy.

Treat the site as a national memorial as much as a place to walk. Its broad lawns, paths and mature trees sit within the university and cultural quarter of central Dhaka.

Key memorials

Shikha Chirantan is the eternal flame marking the location associated with the 7 March speech. Pause here before continuing to the park’s principal monument.

Swadhinata Stambha, the Independence Monument, is the tall glass tower that defines the park skyline. The memorial complex also includes the Museum of Independence, an amphitheatre, murals and a fountain. The museum gives essential context to the events commemorated across the grounds.

Finding your way

The park lies beside Shahbagh, Bangla Academy and the University of Dhaka area. Dhaka University metro station is close to the park, and Shahbagh is the useful landmark for rickshaws, CNGs and buses.

Enter with time to walk rather than expecting a single compact monument. The memorials are spread through an open urban park; shade and sightlines change across the grounds. Pair it with Bangla Academy or the university district rather than treating it as a quick roadside stop.

Amar Ekushey Book Fair

Each year, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair expands from Bangla Academy into Suhrawardy Udyan. Since 2014, the park has held the larger commercial-publisher section, including children’s and little-magazine areas, while the Academy side retains the main stage and information centre.

The next fair is scheduled for 7 January to 6 February 2027. During the fair, expect dense pedestrian traffic, temporary stalls and controlled entrances; the final opening hours and access arrangements are set for each edition.

Visit with care

Daylight is best for reading the memorial landscape and navigating the paths. National days, large public gatherings and the book fair can substantially change access, movement and the feel of the park. Use the marked gates and respect any event security controls.