Ramna Park (Bengali: রমনা পার্ক) or Ramna Green (রমনা উদ্যান, Rômna Uddan) is a significant urban green space renowned for its historical significance and recreational amenities, situated at the centre of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Described the "lungs of Dhaka City," the 68.50-acre (277,200 m) park was built during the British colonial era with a lake at its core, undergoing several transformations over the years and evolving into a popular public space. Additionally, Ramna Park hosts cultural events and festivals, notably, the yearly Bengali New Year celebrations, further enriching its role as a communal space for relaxation and social gatherings.

History

Background

Before the early 20th century, the present-day site of Ramna Park comprised a vast empty expanse known as Ramna Plains. Situated in its midst was a sizable lake, while nearby stood a racecourse in Suhrawardy Udyan, both built by Dhaka's magistrate Charles Dawes.

Construction and inauguration

In 1908, R.L. Proudlock from Kew Botanical Gardens in London was tasked with landscaping and enhancing the beauty of Ramna. Today's renowned Ramna Park owes its development to his planning. The park's design included lofty trees, vibrant flowering plants, gardens, and water features. The construction work of the main park spanned 20 years. Initially, a zoo operated in this vicinity, established by the Nawabs of Bengal, before being relocated to Mirpur.

Ramna Park was formally inaugurated in 1949, covering an area of 88.5 acres (358,000 m). The expansive open spaces served as venues for fairs and exhibitions. Notably, in 1960, Queen Elizabeth II received a warm civic reception at Ramna Park during her visit to Dhaka.

Developments

The current layout of Ramna Park was conceptualised in 1952 by the Public Works Department of Bangladesh (formerly known as the C&B Department). Enhancements to the park included deepening and extending the lake, constructing walkways and garden paths in stages, regrading and replanting sections, and implementing irrigation systems for the diverse range of tree saplings. To facilitate deep root growth, tree wells with deep vertical tubes or watering pipes were installed. Additionally, a bud-shaped water tower was erected on the park's northern side to supply water to these facilities.

In 2020, Ramna Park was closed to the public as a precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic. During this period of closure, a beautification drive were undertaken by the Public Works Department at a cost of ৳460 million (US$3.9 million), which involved the construction of a new wooden deck around the re-excavated lake, new lighting systems, and rebuilding of paths covered with red ceramic bricks and bituminous carpet. Additionally, a new cafe has been built and a corner of the park has been dedicated to children's play areas, while new flowers have been planted as part of the renovation work. The park was reopened towards the end of 2022.

Incidents

On 14 April 2001, during the Pohela Boishakh celebrations of the Bangla New Year, two bombs exploded at Ramna Park, resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals and injuries to several others. Subsequently, members of the Islamist group Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami were convicted in connection with the incident.

Geography

Ramna Park is situated at the centre of Dhaka and presently covers an area of 68.50 acres (277,200 m), of which the lake covers 8.76 acres (35,500 m). Walkways inside park have been widened and five new gates built for entry from different sides.

Flora

Ramna Park contains a total of 71 species of flowering plants, 36 species of fruit trees, 33 species of medicinal plants, and 41 species of forestry plants, along with an additional 11 species.

Ornamental flower plant species include J. sambac (Beli), B. acutangula (Hijol), C. fistula (Sonalu), C. pulcherrima (Radhachura), M. elengi (Bokul), M. paniculata (Kamini), P.  (Kathgolap), N. arbor-tristis (Sheuli), B. ceiba (Shimul), N. cadamba (Kodom), L. speciosa (Jarul), N. arbor-tristis (Shephaly), B. monosperma (Polash), A. moniliformis (Akashmoni), M. champaca (Chapa), C. bakeriana (GolapiSonalu), C. ternatea (Aparajita), T. divaricata (Togor), I. coccinea (Rangan), P. pterocarpum (Konokchura), M. indica (Mohua), A. pavonina (Raktochandan), R. damascena (Golap), B. acuminata (Sada Kanchan), T. patula (Gada), B. glabra (Bagan Bilash), M. diplotricha (Lazzabati), A. hexapetalus (Kathalichapa), C. cristata (Morogphul), G. globosa (Botamphul), C. reflexa (Sarnalata), C. roxburghii (Lal-golapiSonalu), C. nocturnum (Hasnahena), B. purpurea (Raktakanchan), H. mutabilis (Jaba), C. variegatum (Patabahar), I. quamoclit (Gateful), C. morifolium (Chandramallika), D. metel (Dutra), G. tiliifolia (Rakta Kusum), J. auriculatum (Jui), A. dichotoma (Malatilata), J. grandiflorum (Chameli), B. variegata (Lalkanchan), J. sambac (Beli), A. leptopus (Anantalata), K. rotunda (Bhuichapa), H. coronarium (Dolon Chapa), M. indica (Mohua), M. jalapa (Sandhyamalati), P. indica (Kathchapa), M. champaca (Sharna Chapa), N. oleander (RaktaKarobi), M. grandiflora (Uday Champa), P. foetidus (Keya), B. acuminata (Sadakanchan), D. regia (Krishnochura), and M. pterocarpa (DuliChampa).

Bengali New Year celebrations

The yearly celebration of Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh, kicks off at dawn with arrangements made by the cultural organisation Chhayanaut, marking the beginning of the year at the historic Ramna Batamul banyan tree located in Ramna Park, which serves as the stage for a cultural extravaganza on Pohela Boishakh. During this festivity, women adorn themselves in white sarees with red borders, while men wear traditional Panjabi attire.