Muktijoddha Pouro Shishu Park now a safe haven for antisocial elements

Muktijoddha Pouro Shishu Park, the lone recreation ground for children and juveniles in the district, has turned into a safe den for antisocial elements.

Once a hub of joy and amusement, the park is now set to completely lose its attraction for want of required maintenance and care.

Located at the south of Shaheed Rafiq Square and in front of the Deputy Commissioner's Office in the town, the children's park has become nearly unusable, depriving local children of a much-needed space for play and leisure.

Established in 2007 on nearly one acre of land through an initiative of the district administration, the park initially served as a vibrant recreational spot for children.

However, due to lack of proper maintenance and care, the park became decrepit and was declared abandoned in 2012.

In response to the public demand, the park was renovated in 2017 costing Tk2.0 million, with additional Tk0.6 million (Tk 6.0 lakh) spent on constructing a toilet facility.

The facility was reopened in 2018 under the new name, "Muktijoddha Pouro Shishu Park." The park functioned well for a couple of years but started losing standard again after the Covid-19 pandemic.

A recent visit revealed a dismal state: the electric train has rusted and got unusable while rides like swings and slides have been broken and lying scattered across the ground.

Statues of dinosaurs, tigers, and bears have faded away, losing their visual appeal.

Benches are lying dirty and densely growing bushes have taken over the premises.

The unsafe and unsanitary condition of the park discourages parents from bringing their children in.

Moreover, the park has become a hangout spot for criminal elements including drug peddlers and addicts.

Several parents still occasionally visit the park which children, but they are often met with disappointment.

Temporary stamp-selling shops have also encroached upon a portion of the park, further reducing its usability.

Local resident Mohidur Rahman stated, "There's nowhere else in the city to take children out. Although a park was built in front of the DC office, it's now full of weeds and inaccessible. If it's renovated properly, children will once again have a place to play."

Tanzia Yasmin shared a recent experience: "My son wanted to visit the park, so I took him there in the afternoon. But the gate was locked. From the outside, I could see how poorly the building was maintained. Strangely, a group of teenage boys was hanging around on the benches."

Anwar Hossain, another concerned parent, said, "Before Covid-19, children enjoyed coming here. Now, due to drug users and the rundown condition, parents avoid the place. Clearing the park of such elements should be the priority before renovation."

Zahangir Alam Biswas, general secretary of the district unit of "Shushanar Jonno Nagorik" (SHUJAN), said, "Playgrounds are essential for children's mental development. The lone children's park in the district is on the verge of extinction due to negligence. The authorities must act immediately to renovate and reopen it."

When contacted, Sanjida Jesmin, the administrator of Manikganj Municipality, acknowledged the situation. "I'm aware that the Muktijoddha Pouro Shishu Park is currently not in usable condition. However, the municipality has outstanding dues and loans in several essential sectors, which we are prioritising," she said.

asadlimon@gmail.com