Khowasagar Dighi became 'DC Park', a storm of criticism

  • District Correspondent, Barta24.com, Lakshmipur
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Picture: Barta24

Picture: Barta24

There has been a lot of criticism over the installation of the signboard of 'DC Park' instead of the name of Khowasagar Dighi Park, which is intertwined with the heritage and history of Lakshmipur. Local residents including conscious circles are not in any way supporting the name DC Park.

Since Sunday (February 11) afternoon, netizens of Lakshmipur have been making various critical comments on Facebook with pictures of DC Park signboards.

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It is known from the history-heritage pages of Lakshmipur that Khowasagar lake is spread over about 22 acres next to Raipur-Lakshmipur highway in Dalal Bazar area of Sadar upazila. Looking from one end to the other, it looks foggy. Hence this Dighi is called Khowa or Misty Dighi. The 300-year-old large-scale water body is known throughout the country as the Khowasagar Dighi.

Around 1755 Brajavallav Roy, the landlord of Dalal Bazar, dug the pond. Later the zamindar Raja Gaur Kishore Roy renovated the Dighi. There are many legends surrounding this ancient lake. The pond was neglected for a long time. However, the district administration took initiative to beautify it. Decorations are done on both sides of the Dighi. Fish are cultivated in the water of the lake. Everything is supervised from the district and upazila administration offices.

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Meanwhile, after beautification, the pond quickly became popular as a sightseeing spot as it was very close to the district town. Visitors come here from far and wide. Dighi is a name of pride for the people of the district. However, the residents of the district are not able to accept the name change of Dighi. They want the Dighi to be known as historical.

Several calls to Lakhsmipur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Suraiya Jahan on her mobile phone regarding the naming of DC Park, but he did not receive.

However, in this regard Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Meher Nigar told reporters, I do not know the matter personally. I don't even know who hung the DC park board. I will find out today. I will talk to DC sir about this.

President of the district committee of Sujan, Kamal Hossain said, it is not appropriate to name a place of public importance after any officer-employee of the republic. The naming of Khowasagar Dighi was correct.

Posting a news published about Khowasagar Dighi, the former president of District Chhatra League Chowdhury Mahmudunnabi Sohel said on Facebook, "Dalal Bazar Khowasagar Dighi is one of the monuments of Lakhsmipur's history and heritage. Let all new buildings be built keeping this history and tradition intact. Let it be named after Khowasagar Dighi. This is the demand of our people of Lakhshmipur.

District Jatiya Party Joint General Secretary Md. Rakib Hossain also posted a protest on Facebook. He said that these stubborn decisions should be withdrawn soon. What's the point of DC's name here? Why do she as an employee of the Republic?

Mahibul Bashar wrote on his Facebook, "Khowasagar Dighi, which has been going on for hundreds of years, has changed like this!" Sad'.

General Secretary of Lakshimipur Press Club Saidul Islam Pabel said, Dalalbazar Khowasagar Dighi is mixed with the history and tradition of the district. Changing its name is not appropriate at all. Rather, a separate tourist spot called DC Park can be made at some other place. If the name of Khowsagar Dighi is changed, it will reflect negatively on the minds of the people of the district.