Suhrawardy Udyan
| Suhrawardy Udyan | |
|---|---|
Eternal Flame: a monument marks the spot in Suhrawardy Udyan, where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered his historic 7th March Speech on 7 March 1971 | |
| Type | National memorial |
| Location | Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Coordinates | 23°43′59″N 90°23′54″E / 23.7331°N 90.3984°E |
| Area | 68 acres (0.28 km2) |
| Status | Open all year |
Suhrawardy Udyan (Bengali: সোহরাওয়ার্দী উদ্যান, romanized: Sōhrāōẏārdī Udyān) 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), is notably associated with two pivotal moments in Bangladeshi history: the historic speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 7 March 1971 calling for struggle against the Pakistani establishment and the surrender of the Pakistani forces on 16 December 1971, which marked the end of the Bangladesh War of Independence. In recognition of its historical significance, the area was renamed Suhrawardy Udyan in honour of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, the 5th Prime Minister of Pakistan and a key figure in the early political history of East Pakistan (Bangladesh). The space contains monuments and structures dedicated to the events of Bangladesh's liberation. Additionally, Suhrawardy Udyan hosts the annual Ekushey Book Fair, which is the largest book fair in the country, celebrating Bengali literature and culture.