MIRPUR is one of the most densely populated urban areas in the country. Home to over three million residents, its neighbourhoods span Sections 1 to 14, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Kafrul, Paikpara, Pirerbag, and Kalyanpur. Despite its size and significance, Mirpur lacks a crucial piece of infrastructure — a public town hall. This absence is felt even more acutely given Mirpur’s growing cultural footprint and the longstanding demand from its theatre and cultural communities for a space to nurture artistic expression and public engagement.
Mirpur once had a town hall in Section 10, which served as a community gathering place, hosting cultural events, theatre performances, and public forums. However, it was demolished in 2005 with promises of reconstruction. Two decades later, those promises remain unfulfilled, leaving a significant gap in Mirpur’s civic and cultural infrastructure. While the area boasts impressive facilities such as the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, the National Swimming Complex, and modern cineplexes, these cater primarily to sports and entertainment rather than addressing the need for a versatile, public cultural space.
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Need of cultural hub
A TOWN hall is more than just a venue for events; it is a vital space for dialogue, cultural exchange, and community building. It provides a platform for local artists, performers, and intellectuals to share their work, engage with the community, and reflect on the socio-political realities of their time. Mirpur’s cultural and theatre activists, who have been at the forefront of advocating for a town hall, emphasise its importance in fostering creativity and social cohesion.
Theatre, in particular, has a rich history in Bangladesh as a medium for social commentary and education. However, the absence of a proper venue in Mirpur forces local artists to either limit their ambitions or seek costly alternatives in other parts of Dhaka, such as Segun Bagicha or Bailey Road. This not only stifles local talent but also deprives Mirpur residents of access to live performances and cultural programmes that could enrich their lives.
The greater Mirpur area deserves a cultural hub where residents from all walks of life can come together. Public halls serve as venues for theatre, art exhibitions, musical performances, seminars, and community events, making them indispensable to the cultural ecosystem of any urban area.
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Growing urban centreÌýÌý
IN RECENT years, Mirpur has evolved into a thriving urban hub, attracting people from across the city and beyond. Its economy has diversified, with bustling markets, modern residential complexes, and business hubs. Yet, this rapid development has been one-sided, focusing primarily on commercial and sports infrastructure while neglecting cultural spaces.
The inclusion of a town hall in Mirpur’s urban landscape would not only cater to the artistic community but also serve the broader public. Educational institutions and civic organisations would benefit from having a venue for workshops, conferences, and public forums. Such a space could also be used for national and local celebrations.
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ReconstructionÌýcase
REBUILDING the town hall in Section 10, at the site of the previous one, would address this long-standing demand. It would complement existing infrastructure like the stadium and swimming complex, creating a more balanced urban environment that caters to both physical and intellectual needs.
The process of reconstruction could also be an opportunity for innovation. A modern town hall could include multipurpose spaces, state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities, and sustainable architecture, making it an inclusive and environmentally friendly venue.
Furthermore, reconstruction would send a strong message to Mirpur’s residents that their voices have been heard and their cultural and civic aspirations are valued. It would represent an investment not just in infrastructure but in the community’s overall well-being and development.
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Call to action
THE absence of a town hall in Mirpur is not merely an oversight; it is a missed opportunity to invest in the cultural and social fabric of one of Dhaka’s most vibrant areas. It is time for policymakers, local authorities, and cultural advocates to come together and prioritise this project.
Theatre and cultural activists in Mirpur have kept the dream alive for over two decades, but their voices need amplification. The community must rally behind this cause, and stakeholders should see this not as an expense but as an investment in Mirpur’s future.
Mirpur has grown in stature and significance over the years, but for it to truly thrive, it needs a space where its people can come together to express, learn, and celebrate. The time to rebuild Mirpur’s town hall is now — it is not just a necessity but a right for a community that has given so much to Dhaka’s identity.
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Musharraf Tansen is a development analyst.