Suhrawardy Udyan | |
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Type | National memorial |
Location | Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
Coordinates | 23°43′59″N 90°23′54″E / 23.733066°N 90.398437°E |
Area | 95 acres (0.38 km2) |
Status | Open all year |
Suhrawardy Udyan (Bengali: সোহরাওয়ার্দী উদ্যান, romanized: Sohrawardy Uddan) is a national memorial and public space located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Originally known as Ramna Race Course, it holds significant historical importance due to its association with key events in the country's history.
The site, covering an area of 95 acres (0.38 km2),[1] is notably associated with two pivotal moments in Bangladeshi history: the historic speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 7 March 1971 calling for struggle, and the surrender of the Pakistani forces on 16 December 1971, which marked the end of the Bangladesh Liberation War. In recognition of its historical significance, the area was renamed Suhrawardy Udyan in honour of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, a key figure in the early political history of Pakistan and Bangladesh. The space contains monuments and structures dedicated to the events of Bangladesh's liberation. Additionally, Suhrawardy Udyan hosts the annual Ekushey Book Fair, the largest book fair in the country, celebrating Bengali literature and culture.