| HEADLINE |
|
Dinajpur residents demand public access to historic Boro Maidan
Published : Saturday, 14 November, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Observer Online Report
A human chain was held in front of the National Press Club in the capital, demanding that Dinajpur's historic Gor-e-Shaheed Boro Maidan be kept open to the public and preserved as part of the district's heritage.
The programme was organised by the Dhaka-based Dinajpur District Association, with prominent residents of all 13 upazilas of Dinajpur living in Dhaka, representatives of social and cultural organisations and concerned citizens taking part.
Addressing the programme, speakers described Gor-e-Shaheed Maidan, locally known as Boro Math, as an integral part of Dinajpur's heritage, cultural identity and collective memory. Located in the heart of the northern district, the historic ground is considered essential to the lives of local residents.
They said generations of people in Dinajpur had grown up with memories associated with the field, which had long served as a major venue for sports, physical exercise, Eid prayers, religious and national celebrations, social and cultural activities and fairs.
The speakers noted that the ground, recognised as one of Asia's largest Eid prayer venues, hosts prayers attended by a large number of worshippers every year.
They also said the field had played an important role in producing national-level athletes in cricket, football and hockey. Major events, including Boishakhi fairs, trade fairs, Victory Day parades and large political, social and cultural gatherings, have also been organised there.
They stressed that ensuring the ground's normal use, keeping it accessible to the general public and preserving its historical significance had become an urgent necessity.
However, restrictions on public use of the field by the Army have disrupted people's access to the ground, affecting sports, physical exercise and various social and cultural activities, they said.
The speakers argued that the demand was not merely about access to a playground but was closely linked to Dinajpur's historical heritage, citizens' rights, public interest and the preservation of open public spaces for future generations.
They also referred to the late Khaleda Zia, the country's first female prime minister, whose family had connections with Dinajpur, saying the issue was also associated with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's family heritage. They expressed hope that the government would consider the matter with due importance.
The speakers also urged the patriotic Bangladesh Army to consider the interests and sentiments of the people of Dinajpur.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the administration's failure to reopen the field to the public despite repeated notifications, the organisers announced that their movement would continue until their demands were met.
As part of the next phase of the protest, they announced a programme to besiege the Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner's office on November 23.
- MaT
Loading...
Loading...
Also read
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
