Osmani Udyan Modernization Nears Completion After Decade of Delays

The modernization project for Osmani Udyan in Dhaka has faced significant delays, with the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) failing to complete the work even after ten years. The prolonged timeline has drawn attention to the ongoing development efforts at the historic 22-acre park located within the jurisdiction of the Dhaka South City Corporation.

Designed by architect Rafiq Azam, the comprehensive modernization project was initially allocated a budget of 58 crore taka. Over the course of the decade-long implementation period, various structural components have been integrated into the sprawling park layout, altering traditional usage patterns of the green space.

As part of the development, underground infrastructure has been constructed across an area equivalent to four bighas of the total 22-acre property. This specific component has become a focal point of discussion among urban planners and environmental advocates monitoring the city's public parks and municipal administration projects.

As the project nears its final phases, Asadul Islam addressed the current status of the development. According to Asadul Islam, work on the modernization initiative is reaching its concluding stages, and the facilities are prepared to be handed over to the city corporation whenever the municipal authorities wish to take formal charge.

However, the project has also drawn criticism regarding the proportion of land dedicated to built structures. Kamruzzaman Majumder commented on the developments, stating that a public park should ideally have a maximum of 5 percent of its area occupied by infrastructure. Pointing out that construction at Osmani Udyan has reached 35 percent, Kamruzzaman Majumder noted that Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) had previously organized human chains and submitted memorandum petitions regarding the issue.