Sylhet, Oct 29 (V7N) – A modern park will be built on the site of Sylhet’s old central jail and named after former prime minister and late BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said.

Speaking to journalists at an event in Sylhet on Tuesday, October 27, the minister said the proposed park would provide residents with a modern recreational space and a place to walk in the city, where open spaces for pedestrians are limited.

“We will build a modern, world-class park on the site of the old jail in Sylhet to facilitate walking and recreation for city residents. We will name the park after our leader Begum Khaleda Zia,” he said.

Muktadir said Khaleda Zia had a deep emotional connection with the people of the party and the country and had made significant contributions to both. He also noted her affection for Sylhet, saying she often began major initiatives from the city.

The minister said the park project would begin after the old jail site was handed over to Sylhet City Corporation. A decision had been made at a meeting with the Home Minister to transfer the property to the city corporation, he added.

However, the transfer will take time because the government plans to build a new metropolitan prison before vacating the existing facility.

According to the minister, another prison will be built beside the proposed new prison at Badaghat, and the process of acquiring land for the project will begin soon. Construction of the park on the old jail premises will start after the new prison is completed.

Muktadir made the remarks after inaugurating an internal sports competition organised by the Electronic Media Journalists Association (EMJA) in Sylhet on Tuesday afternoon.

During the event, he also outlined several development initiatives aimed at making Sylhet a more modern and liveable city.

The minister said a feasibility study was underway for a proposed suspension bridge beside the historic Keane Bridge. The government would take steps to implement the project after reviewing the study’s findings.

He expressed hope that the overall plans for these development projects would become visible by 2028.

The proposed park and suspension bridge are part of broader efforts to improve recreational facilities, pedestrian access and urban infrastructure in Sylhet. However, implementation will depend on the completion of the feasibility study, land acquisition, relocation of the existing prison and the necessary administrative procedures.

END/AKR/SMA/