The Shahbagh police station will remain in the Suhrawardy Udyan area, albeit in a new location near BIRDEM Hospital or Dhaka Club.
The decision was made at an Advisory Council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon.
The interim government overturned the previous Awami League administration’s plan to move the station near the Sakura Bar and Restaurant.
Announcing the decision at a press conference at the Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid explained that while the station may shift slightly, it will remain close to its current location.
“The existing site is unhygienic and poorly maintained, with broken cars and seized items creating an eyesore. These will be removed, and efforts will be made to enhance the flower market as part of the project,” he said.
The move is linked to the ongoing Swadhinata Stambha (Independence Pillar) Construction Project in Suhrawardy Udyan.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs had previously emphasised that the relocation of the Shahbagh police station was essential for maintaining the project's aesthetics and ensuring smooth implementation.
The Cabinet Secretary also noted that the relocation decision aims to resolve concerns regarding the police station’s impact on the overall appearance of the Swadhinata Stambha project area.
Members of the council of advisors will visit the site to finalize further adjustments to the project.
At the meeting, a documentary on the student-public uprising of July-August was screened, providing context for the discussions.
The initial decision to move the station to the Sakura Restaurant area, made at a Cabinet meeting on June 3, followed a letter from the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs in March.
The letter highlighted the importance of relocating the station to avoid disruption to the third phase of the Swadhinata Stambha construction project, which is primarily concentrated in the Shahbagh area.
The interim government’s decision is expected to address these concerns while keeping the station conveniently located for public access.
Further changes to the project will be evaluated after inspections by the Advisory Council.
