Chandrima Uddan is situated beside the National Parliament of Bangladesh. The park has always been popular but it became more so after it was decided to bury Ziaur Rahman the late Bangladesh president here. The former BNP government built a monument dedicated to Ziaur Rahman in the form of a mosque centered on his mausoleum. The name was also changed to Zia Uddan by the Khaleda Zia BNP government. However, it is still popularly known as Chandrima Uddan both names now seem to apply. The park, although in the main city, is a protected area and not available for development.
It is a well-organized recreational area with an excellent plantation, lake and modern bridge at the entrance. Everyday thousands of people visit Zia’s shrine although young visitors seem more interested in recreation than the shrine. Most of the visitors come with friends and or family members and relax. Visitors from outside of Dhaka commonly come to visit Zia’s Majar to pay homage to the former President and founder of the BNP.
As thousands of people visit the park an informal market has been created where large numbers of hawkers sell recreation products and the Bangla snacks jalnuri, chanachur, badam, pan, cigarette, tea, coffee, toys, and posters of General Zia.
The park has also become a spot where couples can meet free from the strictures of home. Late in the evening it is also a place where prostitutes congregate to meet their main clients the rickshaw pullers, gypsies and homeless workers.
On Fridays and Saturdays huge numbers of visitors come to the park where they witness different types of street performances including Baul songs, the monkey dance, circus performances, magicians and bajimat (target shooting). Gambling is also available as part of the festive environment that has been created at Chandrima Uddan. The park provides an environmental balance to the unplanned, urbanized and often-chaotic Dhaka City.