Bells Park Bangabandhu Udyan Barisal

Historical Bangabandhu Udyan or Bell's Park is located just 4 km from Barisal district headquarters. In 1896 N.D. Beatson Bells came to Barisal as District Magistrate. The park was built on the banks of the Kirtankhola river during the reign of British King George V during the reign of Bales. Bells Park is named after Beatson Bells in recognition of his contribution to the development of Barisal city, Muslim education and public health. Many state dignitaries have given their valuable speeches in this park on different occasions. An open stage and mural was erected in this park to commemorate the speech given by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1972. In 1996, the Bangladesh government changed the name of Bells Park to Bangabandhu Udyan. Currently Barisal City Corporation manages this park under Public Works Department.

The length of Bangabandhu Udyan is 550 feet and the width is 450 feet surrounded by trees. The park is surrounded by a walkway, helipad, playground, seating canopies and a lake. Known as the main playground of Barisal city in the past, this park now hosts various social and cultural events like tree fairs, trade fairs and parades. The scenic view of the Kirtankhola River from Bangabandhu Gardens and the colorful lights on the green grass in the evening are mesmerizing. Bells Park is more popular for morning walk and jogging among locals of Barisal district.

Barisal can be reached from Dhaka by road, sea and air. From Gabtali and Syedabad in Dhaka, you can go to Barisal via Padma Setu by Ena Transport, Hanif Enterprise, Labiba Classic, Imperial Express, Sakura, Surbhi and BRTC buses. From Sadarghat in Dhaka, MV Sundarban, Manami, Adventure, Surabhi, Parabat, Kirtankhola and Farhan can go to Barisal. Besides, domestic airlines can go to Barisal from Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport. You can reach Bells Park or Bangabandhu Udyan by local transport from Barisal.

Barisal city has residential hotels like Hotel Arena, Hotel Grand Park, Hotel Paradise, Hotel One, Hotel Sedona, Hotel Ali, Hotel Paradise and Hotel Imperial.

There are various quality Chinese, Bengali and fast food restaurants in Barisal city. Molida and Gournadi curds are popular famous dishes of Barisal.

Next to Bangabandhu Udyan are Muktijoddha Park, Planet World Park and Padma Pond. And among other places of interest in Barisal are Shankar Math, Bibir Pond , Miyabari Jame Masjid, Oxford Mission , Lakutia Zamindar Bari, Vasman Payara Bagan, Shapla Village , Durga Sagar Dighi and Gutia Mosque .

Feature Image: AR Sujan