Sylhet, Oct 08 (V7N) – Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) has taken an initiative to renovate and reopen the long-closed Jalalabad Park with a new plan aimed at creating a recreational space for children, elderly residents and visitors.
The park will be renamed “Jalalabad City Park” after the renovation, according to SCC officials.
The park has a long history of plans and controversy. In 2005, SCC proposed constructing a 16-storey commercial building on the site. The plan was later abandoned following protests from environmental groups and city residents.
Responding to public demand, the authorities subsequently moved to develop the site as a public park. Around 2010, its boundaries were demarcated and an entrance was constructed, after which the area was opened to residents for walking.
Later, plans were made to turn the park into a children’s recreation centre, including the installation of recreational facilities at a cost of around Tk 50 lakh. Questions were also raised over the construction of a high boundary wall at the front of the park, with residents expressing concern that it could reduce the site’s openness and visibility.
After remaining closed for a long period, the park is now set for another redevelopment initiative.
On Monday, SCC Administrator Abdul Kayum Chowdhury inspected the park with city corporation officials and directed them to begin renovation work quickly.
Under the new plan, the park will include facilities for children’s recreation as well as walking and exercise areas for elderly people. Seating arrangements, greenery and other recreational facilities will also be developed.
The entrance and boundary wall will be redesigned as part of the renovation.
The park is located in an important area of Sylhet. The Sylhet Circuit House stands on one side and the District Council on the other, while the historic Keane Bridge, the Surma River and Ali Amjad’s Clock Tower are located nearby. The site therefore has potential to attract both city residents and tourists.
SCC Administrator Abdul Kayum Chowdhury said an attractive walkway had already been developed around Sagar Dighi under a city corporation initiative, attracting hundreds of people every day.
He said the Jalalabad Park would also be reopened to the public as soon as possible and developed to serve both children and elderly residents.
However, the latest initiative has raised questions about long-term implementation and maintenance, given the park’s history of repeated development plans that failed to ensure sustained public use.
Residents expect the latest project to go beyond renaming and beautification and ensure regular maintenance, security and an open environment so that the 94-decimal park remains accessible and functional for the long term.
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