Under the tall mahogany trees and soft light filtering through the green canopy, Dhaka University’s (DU) Mall Chattar has quietly evolved into more than just a Centenary Monument, it’s a breathing space of history, youth and heartfelt moments.
Often described by students as a “slice of serenity” in the heart of the capital, Mall Chattar has grown into a symbolic gathering point for recreation, romance, resistance and rest of citizens. Whether it’s lovers sharing quiet conversation, friends rehearsing a group presentation, or a lonely poet scribbling verses by the pool, this place is alive with emotion and memory.
Located across VC Chattar, the entrance welcomes visitors with a rusted steel sign that reads “Dhaka University”, now bearing graffiti and political slogans scrawled in bold ink. Though some see it as defacement, others view it as a reflection of the campus’ dynamic democratic spirit.
"Every corner of this place has seen both slogans and silence," says Rabbi, a fourth-year sociology student. “You sit here and feel you’re part of something bigger than your own story.”
The area surrounding Mall Chattar has undergone significant landscaping in recent years. Young trees have been planted, bamboo enclosures protect new saplings, and patches of fresh grass are steadily replacing old, worn-out lawns. Still, the charm remains the same: this is where memories are made.
On a gloomy Wednesday afternoon, Al-Amin from Mohammadpur arrives hand-in-hand with his fiancée, her henna still fresh on her fingers. They settle under a quiet tree, the world fading behind them.
"Bhai, life gets so messy in Mohammadpur traffic. But when we sit here, it’s like Dhaka slows down," Al-Amin says with a shy smile. "She wanted a peaceful place to talk about our future. So I brought her where the environment is aesthetic and safe."
Just a few steps away, Zubayer, a hotelier from Nayabazar, stands proudly in his flip-flops and t-shirt combo, flashing a grin as he introduces his SSC-exam taker friends, Sumona and Rajiya.
"These two champs just finished exams, and I told them, ‘Let me show you where the city breathes best’," he chuckles, nudging them playfully. “Mall Chattar isn’t just a park, bhaia. It’s where people come to cool their heads.”
Sumona giggles and adds, "I thought he’d take us to some fancy café! But this place… it’s better than any restaurant. We’re sitting on red stairs, laughing for no reason. I feel free here."
The most eye-catching structure in Mall Chattar is the circular brick-lattice pavilion, an architectural marvel with rust-red walls and open-air design. From a distance, it may look industrial, but step inside and you’ll find students curled up with books, couples whispering secrets and performers practising monologues.
Nearby, a cheerful pack of six Rover Scouts, dressed in casual uniforms, laugh over packets of chips and soggy samosas. They’ve come from all corners of the city — Mirpur, Malibagh, Badda, even Shanir Akhra — just to spend a lazy day surrounded by green and good vibes.
"Bhai, this meetup took three weeks of pure WhatsApp chaos!" jokes Rasel, as he wipes raindrops off his glasses. "Someone's always busy, someone’s always broke. Finally, we said — enough! Let’s just land at DU."
Another scout, stretching his legs on the red pavement, chimes in, "Mall Chattar is the only place where no one tells you to ‘buy something or leave’. You sit, you chill, you vibe. This place is for broke legends like us!"
Their laughter rings through the trees, blending with the rustling leaves and occasional guitar strum from a nearby bench. For these young city-dwellers, Mall Chattar isn’t just a destination — it’s an escape.
The design isn’t just aesthetic; it’s practical too. The circular seating, central greenery, and shaded layout offer a cool retreat from Dhaka’s noise and heat.
"This is where I met my best friend during orientation," shares Arif, a second-year student from Faculty of Fine Arts. “Now we come here almost every day, even if we don’t say a word.”
Just a short walk away lies the famous circular red platform, often referred to as the Mall Chattar Chowki. Built like a shallow amphitheatre around a water body, it draws in people like a magnet. On any given afternoon, it’s dotted with students, sketching, gossiping, or simply lying flat with eyes on the sky.
Though originally intended as a dry, contemplative space, the pond at the centre often collects rainwater, adding a reflective charm that mirrors the trees above and the dreams of those sitting beside it.
Not far off, a young couple walks in, still in formal clothes, one holding a laptop bag, the other gently carrying a tote with leftover office snacks.
"I used to bunk classes and sit here with iced tea," smiles Rifat, a former DU Economics student. His partner laughs, "Now we run here after documentation and client calls. But the feeling's the same, like we’re back in campus mode, even for an hour."
In one corner, a stray dog naps peacefully beside a group of girls wrapped in shawls. In another, a street performer softly sings 'Je Jon Premer Vab Jane Na' while a few passers-by pause and smile.
Under an old tree, a family of four plays a game of catch. The little boy chases his sister barefoot across the grass while their mother claps and their father whistles. They come from Shantinagar.
"They always want to come here after school," the father explains. "No screens, no tantrums. They just play with a ball and run on grass.”
Recent efforts by the university’s gardening division show clear attempts at reviving the green soul of the park. From coordinated sapling planting to neat landscaping of central lawns, the transformation is subtle yet steady.
Yet, like much of Dhaka University, Mall Chattar also reflects the contrasts of urban life, order alongside disorder, planning beside protest.
By the walkway, a familiar nut seller named Shahabuddin arranges his baskets with roasted chana, peanuts and jhal-muri.
"Mall Chattar is better than any shopping centre," he says, carefully weighing a packet. "People here talk to me. One day I’m feeding broke students, next day it’s a teacher giving me a lecture about healthy snacks!"
Graffiti tags like “Hang Hasina,” “We want justice for murdered Shammo,” splashed across official signs reveal the pulse of student activism that never fully quiets down. For many, that’s part of the park’s appeal it’s not just beautiful, it’s bold.
And just a few feet away, a girl sits quietly with her back straight and eyes fixed on the entrance. Her fingers twist the corner of her scarf.
"I told him to meet me by FBS… he’s late, again," she murmurs, half smiling, half fuming. Then adds under her breath, "If he doesn’t show up in five minutes, I’m switching to ghost mode."
Mall Chattar is many things at once; a political stage, a romantic hideaway, a reading corner and a peaceful retreat. On some days, it feels like a protest square and on others, like an open-air theatre of life. To thousands of DU students, it’s simply home.
At the edge of the steps, a group of first-year boys loudly debates whether to join a student organisation or just stay neutral.
"Bro, I came here to study, not do politics!" one insists. Another winks, "Study? You almost failed the final exam last semester just to come back and hang out here!" The whole group erupts in laughter.
As twilight settles over the sprawling green, couples still sit close, friends laugh loudly and an occasional speech echoes across the space. Life goes on and Mall Chattar keeps listening silently, patiently, beautifully.
SH
