The rides and amenities of Muktijoddha Shishu Park, a once-vibrant destination that used to bustle with children in Manikganj, have deteriorated, leaving its visitors disheartened. Photo: Messenger
Muktijoddha Shishu Park, the sole sanctuary for the development of sports and intelligence among the youth of Manikganj, is facing a grim deterioration due to a lack of maintenance and supervision, transforming it into a hub for undesirable activities.
This once-vibrant park, which used to teem with children, has now succumbed to overgrowth, becoming a hotspot for various forms of misconduct. Reports reveal that the park is frequented by individuals engaging in anti-social activities, while drug addicts find solace within its premises. Additionally, the park's rides and amenities have fallen into disrepair, leaving its visitors disheartened and cautious.
Manikganj District Commissioner Md. Ataur Rahman, responding to the call of civil society and local citizens, initiated the park's construction in 2007, providing a few rides for the children's enjoyment. However, the park's fortunes took a nosedive after his transfer from Manikganj.
In a bid to restore the park's lost glory, the Manikganj District Commissioner, in 2018, undertook an initiative alongside Najmuch Sadat Salim and Municipal Mayor Gazi Kamrul Huda Selim, investing approximately 20 lakhs of taka in its renovation and expansion. This included allocating around Tk 6.5 lakhs for the construction of restrooms, washrooms, and a storeroom within the park. The rejuvenated park boasted 14 sculptures, including swings, tigers, deer, camels, sleepers, bears, elephants, and dinosaurs. During this time, a twenty-taka ticket was introduced for the electric train ride at the Manikganj Muktijoddha Municipal Shishu Park.
Sadly, the park's once-thriving attractions have withered away over time. The electric train rusts in neglect, while swings and sleepers lie broken. Most of the sculptures, including dinosaurs, tigers, and bears, have lost their former charm. Weeds now overrun the entire park area.
Anwar Hossain from the Ganggadhar Patti area expressed his concern, emphasizing that the district has seen considerable infrastructural developments, but it still lacks a high-quality children's park. Even the Muktijoddha Park, the only refuge for children's entertainment, languishes in a state of disrepair, discouraging families from visiting.
Golam Sarwar Chanu, President of the Manikganj Press Club, highlighted the accumulation of stagnant water within the park, which poses a risk for breeding Aedes mosquitoes. He also lamented the park's transformation into a thicket, no longer serving its purpose of entertaining children.
Residents reported various instances of anti-social activities taking place within the park, adding to the urgent need for restoration. They called for a swift renovation to restore the park's appealing ambiance.
Solaiman Khan, General Secretary of Manikganj District Juba Jote, pointed out that due to the park's dilapidation, it has become a haven for drug addicts and anti-social activities, depriving young children of sporting and entertainment opportunities. He urged immediate renovation to make the park child-friendly once again.
Mayor Md. Ramzan Ali of Manikganj echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the children's park was initially constructed to stimulate creativity and critical thinking in children. It is now imperative to take swift measures to restore its former glory and functionality.
Messenger/Disha
