A date palm tree standing on the bank of the Patli Canal in PMkhali under Cox’s Bazar Sadar may appear ordinary at first glance. For local residents, however, it represents a significant piece of history.
Nearly 48 years ago, former president Ziaur Rahman planted the tree during a visit to the area. The tree remains a living reminder of that historic occasion, despite the many changes that have occurred over the decades.
In November 1979, Ziaur Rahman visited Cox’s Bazar and formally inaugurated the excavation of the Patli Canal by wielding a spade himself. During the visit, he also distributed saplings of various fruit-bearing trees among local residents and planted a date palm on the canal bank.
What was once a small sapling has since grown into a mature tree.
Local elderly residents have long regarded the tree as a historical landmark in the area. Many people continue to visit the site to see the tree and recall memories associated with the former president’s visit.
Akhtar Kamal, who claims to have witnessed the event, said that he still vividly remembers the day.
‘Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman arrived here by helicopter and personally inaugurated the canal excavation work. Afterwards, he planted a date palm tree on the canal bank. This is that very tree. It has survived for nearly five decades and remains a part of our local history,’ he said.
He added that thousands of people had gathered to see the president during the visit.
‘He inaugurated the canal excavation and distributed fruit tree saplings among local residents. ‘Those memories remain unforgettable,’ he said.
Several residents gathered near the tree said many members of the younger generation were unaware of its historical significance and its connection to an important event in the area’s past.
The Patli Canal has recently returned to public attention amid plans to re-excavate it. According to local sources, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to inaugurate the canal’s re-excavation work on June 13, prompting renewed interest among residents.
The planned programme has created an atmosphere of enthusiasm in the locality and has also brought the historic date palm tree back into the spotlight.
Locals believe that as efforts to revive the canal move forward, the tree will gain renewed recognition as a symbol of the area’s history. Standing quietly on the canal bank, it continues to bear witness to a chapter of local history that many residents say should not be forgotten.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
