The recently lifted Covid-19 lockdown gave the wildlife of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Gazipur a rare chance to experience peace and quiet, with zero visitors bothering them.
The lush green landscape of the safari park has also received a fresh makeover, thanks to the five months of coronavirus closure that ended on Friday.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Assistant Forest Conservator Tabibur Rahman, who is in-charge of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, said the number of wild animals in the park has gone up since it was shut down for the pandemic.
“A lot has changed in the park since the closure began. Breeding of wild animals has increased, as visitors were not allowed inside during this period.
Visitors enjoy the lush green landscape of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Gazipur on Friday, August 20, 2021 | Dhaka Tribune | Dhaka Tribune
“We have had natural births of six wildebeests, six zebras, 15 deer, and 35 peacocks in our safari park in the past five months. These cubs have become new attractions for the visitors.”
Besides, a large number of birds of different species have built homes in the trees here. The sound of them chirping day and night has created a unique and enchanting environment at the park, said Tabibur.
“This whole place has transformed into a wildlife sanctuary,” he added.
Bulbul Islam, a resident of Rajshahi, came to the park with six of his friends in the search for an escape from the hustle, bustle and pollution of city life.
He said: “The new greener environment has added to the park’s diversity.”
Feroz Alam, another visitor from Rajshahi, said: “I couldn’t go outside for a long time due to the Covid-19 lockdown. I felt imprisoned.
“I have come to the safari park for a breath of fresh air. The reopening of parks and recreational centres has brought joy and happiness among the general people.”
The road connecting Bagher Bazar with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway is in very poor condition | Dhaka Tribune
Badrul Hossain Milon, who teaches at a government high school, expressed anger and dissatisfaction over the poor roads to the park.
He said: “The road connecting Bagher Bazar with the safari park on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway is in very poor condition. The visitors suffer a lot due to this.
“This road needs to be repaired as soon as possible,” he urged the authorities concerned.
Locals said the roads have been repaired numerous times, but they invariably become damaged in the rainy season.
