Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is expected to inaugurate the construction work of the project next month.

The liberation war affairs ministry had decided to construct the park after the name of late President Ziaur Rahman. Later, it was renamed as "Shaheed Zia Memorial Complex and Mini Bangladesh."

Those who interested in enjoying the country's architectural beauty, ethnic traditions and archaeological inheritance will be able to materialise their dream very shortly having a glimpse of the 'heritage park', the officials claimed.

Historical Kalurghat Betar Kendra (Kalurghat Radio Station) from where independence was proclaimed in 1971 is now almost ready to encompass the park.

The ministry has chosen the site for developing the park at a cost of Tk55.95 crore to conserve the historical radio station as an evidence of War of Liberation for the future generation, he said. The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved the project.

The then Awami League leader MA Hannan and late President Ziaur Rahman on behalf of the Father of the Nation Bangab-andhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had proclaimed the independence from the radio station on March 26 and 27 respectively in 1971.

Concord Engineering and Construction Limited, a private construction firm, will implement the project under the supervision of Public Works Department in two years.

"The objective of the park is to show the entire Bangladesh at a glance," said site engineer Saidur Rahman. "Eventually it will become a live museum with the architectural and archaeological legacy of the country," he added.

In the preface of the project was underlined that the initiative has been taken to construct a memorial complex after the name of late President Ziaur Rahman at the historical Kalurghat Betar Kendra.

Replica of major structures of the country, including Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (parliament building), National Memorial of Savar, Ahsan Manjil, Curzon Hall of Dhaka University, Paharpur Monastery, Karntajir Temple of Dinajpur, Lalbag Fort and Sona Masjid, will be installed at the park.

Under the project, Kalurghat Betar Kendra studio from where the proclamation of independence came and the technical equipment will be decorated and furnished.

Besides, model of three railway stations, Church of Saint Nicholas of Gazipur, Choto Kuthi and Bara Kuthi of Rajshahi along with houses containing socio-cultural rituals of 13 tribal communities will also be set up at the valley.

"A 'tower restaurant', an artificial hill, an artificial lake and a fountain will be built at the park," said Saidur Rahman.

He said that there would be special packages for the kids.

"Different rides including bumper boat, paddle boat, family coaster, 12 horses carousel, Farris wheel, bumper car and kiddie swing will be installed", he said, adding that a tunnel under the artificial hill for train track will also be constructed.

We hope to complete the job on schedule, he added.

Concord will hand over the park to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs after completion of the work, he said. Then the ministry will either lease it out to private sector or deal itself, sources said.

ASM Mahbubur Rahman, resident engineer of Kalurghat Betar Kendra, said that the Betar authorities have already completed all formalities including handing over of land.

"Some 13.6 acres of land out of 27 acres owned by Betar was handed over to the Ministry of Liberation War by the Ministry of Information to build the park", he added.

To implement the project, a good number of aged trees will be felled, sources said.