Dhaka, Apr 13 – An eye-catching Amphitheatre and a grand musical dancing fountain, set up at the city’s Hatirjheel lake to attract more visitors and tourists, have been opened as Pahela Baishakh gifts for the city dwellers.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated those under a Rajuk project titled ‘Integrated Development of Hatirjheel area including Begunbari Canal’ through a videoconference from her official residence Ganobhaban on Thursday morningSpecial Works Organisation of Bangladesh Army implemented the project in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Rajuk and Dhaka Wasa.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the newly-constructed architectural establishments — the Amphitheatre and the musical fountain — are Pahela Baishakh gifts for the city dwellers and the country’s people.
She urged the city dwellers and visitors not to dump wastes like water bottles, used papers and other materials into the water of the Hatirjheel lake. “Everyone should be much more responsible in maintaining the beauty of the site and its establishments.”
Hasina also reiterated her call to people to stay careful so that no one can spread any confusion about Pahela Baishakh celebrations. “Religion has no relation and conflict with the celebration of the Bengali New Year.”
About Hatirjheel, she said, “The Amphitheater and the fountain have created a further scope for the busy city dwellers to enjoy a quality time in a very spectacular environment of the gorgeous spot.”
The Prime Minister said her government does not want to confine the city dwellers to a city of bricks, stones and concrete. “Rather, we want to ensure the overall development of the city through maintaining natural balance.”
Describing Hatirjheel as one of the government’s priority projects, Hasina said the fountain and the Amphitheatre have the capacity to accommodate 2,000 visitors.
Narrating attractive features of the Amphitheatre, Hasina said the Amphitheatre will look like a flower with petals for its elegant construction technique, circular structure and very beautiful colour design.
Besides, a 120-meter long colourful fountain has also been constructed there with time-controlled sound wave and musical track, turning it into a tri-dimensional structure. “Such a structure will create an environment of a floating stage on the water in the minds of the audience.”
Hasina said the residents of Gulshan-Banani, Mohakhali, Rampura, Malibagh, Banasri, Merul-Badda, Moghbazar, Eskaton, Karwan Bazar and Tejgaon Industrial areas are getting special facilities for their movement as the project has been implemented.
She hoped that the Hatirjheel project will also play a significant role in making Dhaka as a livable city and attract foreign tourists. “Hatirjheel area will turn into an eye-catching tourist spot.”
The Prime Minister said the project area has been increased to 311.79 acres from the existing 244.74 acres while some 8.80 kilometer service road and some 8.80 kilometer expressway have been constructed under the project.
Besides, the Prime Minister said four bridges, three viaducts, four overpasses, 8.80 kilometers of footpaths, 9.80 kilometers of walkway, one Children park, 13 viewing decks will be constructed under the project. “Two water taxi terminals and four deep-tube wells were also set up under the Hatirjheel project.”
The Prime Minister said her government has been working to ensure people’s basic needs like food, education, housing and Medicare as well as recreation facilities.
Agriculture Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury, Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, LGRD Minister Engineer Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain were, among others, present.
Chief of the Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq spoke at the function moderated by PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury.
Hatirjheel Project Director Major General Abu Sayeed Mohammad Masud described various key features of the Amphitheatre and Fountain through a power point presentation.
He also presented a video documentary on the Amphitheatre and the Grand Musical Dancing Fountain.- UNB
