Bangladesh

Dhaka children’s park: Modernisation stalls, weeds take over

The government closed the children's park in Shahbagh, Dhaka, in 2019 to transform it into a modern recreational facility. Authorities launched the work under the third phase of the Swadhinata Stambha Construction Project at Suhrawardy Udyan, aiming to develop the park with modern amenities. Six years later, the project remains unfinished and the park is yet to reopen. Various structures remain half-built, puddles have been created as rainwater has accumulated in several areas, and construction materials lie scattered throughout the site. Years of neglect have allowed weeds to spread across building walls, walkways and around the water reservoir. Once filled with the laughter and joy of children, the park now stands silent. Photos taken by Suvra Kanti Das

Prothom Alo English Desk
Work on the Dhaka Children's Park project continues, but authorities have not completed it even after six years. Construction materials remain scattered across the site.
A child tries to catch fish in stagnant water inside the closed children's park.
A man sleeps in the shade beside an under-construction structure. The park, built for children's recreation, has become an abandoned and desolate place.
Weeds have overgrown on the walkways. Years of neglect and unfinished construction have allowed nature to reclaim different parts of the children's park.
A flock of common mynas splashes in stagnant water. With children no longer filling the park with laughter, birds have become its most frequent visitors.
Weeds and small trees have emerged through gaps in the structures. Years of neglect have left various parts of the reconstructed children's park vulnerable.
Wildflowers growing untended bear witness to years of poor maintenance and mismanagement.
Weeds have spread around the dry reservoir.
Reconstruction of the capital's children's park has continued for many years without completion. Various structures remain in a half-finished state.
Greenery now dominates the reconstructed children's park. Trees and weeds have flourished throughout the site, replacing the sounds of children's laughter.
An under-construction structure still remains half-finished.
Garbage surrounds the fountain.
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