The National Botanical Garden at Mirpur, lying on the outskirts of the congested city, has become a den of antisocial and criminal activities, causing sufferings to city dwellers who visit the refreshing green spot.
Now everywhere in the garden, even during the day, there are people involved in illegal activities, from petty criminals to drug addicts and peddlers to sex workers and their pimps. The garden that was once a popular tourist site has become a source of anxiety.
On a recent trip to the garden, some visiting families with children told this correspondent they would not return to the place, because of the atmosphere.
According to the garden authorities, about 7,000 to 8,000 people visit the garden each day.
Most families said they were harassed at the gate by garden staff and agents of private contractors collecting entrance fees. And even inside, they were apprehensive about moving around freely.
Khokon Sheikh, a resident of Mirpur, who was with his wife and two children, said: “I had heard a little about the atmosphere of the garden, but never thought about this kind of social degradation. If I had known about the condition, I would not have come here with my family, or even alone.”
“I thought the atmosphere inside the garden would be like that of Dhaka Zoo, but what a scene! This is not acceptable for any civilised nation or race.”
Salma Begum, a resident of Jatrabari, who came with her husband and three children, made similar comments.
“I feel strange about the antisocial activities. The present condition of the garden is not suitable for decent people,” Salma said.
“I don’t understand what the authorities are doing, and what their roles are. My personal opinion is that they are getting money from agents to allow [these] illegal activities. For that reason, they are not taking any steps,” she said angrily.
Mohammed Ruhul Amin, director of the botanical garden, told Dhaka Tribune that only two mobile teams, each consisting of five guards, were assigned to supervise the garden.
“Every day, 7,000 to 8,000 people visit the garden. So, it is not possible to guard every visitor,” Ruhul said. “Different types of people enter as visitors. If they engage in illegal activities once inside, it is very difficult to stop them with only 10 people.”
Dating couples, mostly young professionals and even schoolboys and girls skiving off work or classes, use the garden to meet without any restrictions.
Couples buy tickets from the counter for Tk10, purchase a newspaper from the ticket checker for sitting on the grass, then go off to the main recreational areas like the lakeside, the forest reserve or any open space. To get a place of their choice and make sure they are not disturbed, the amorous couples usually have to pay Tk50-100 to the stick-wielding agents appointed by the contractors.
The agents arrange sex workers for singles or groups of people in exchange for money. Victims of muggings allege that the powerful “stick forces” provide protection to gangs of criminals who wait for every chance to rob visitors in secluded places.
Drug addicts, sex workers and criminals occupy every snack or tea stall, visitors’ sheds and public toilet areas. Therefore, visitors stay away from those places to avoid getting harassed.
The director said law enforcers and patrol police often raid the garden to stop such illegal activities.
“Last week, a team of patrol police arrested 30 people, including women, for their illegal activities in open spaces inside the garden.”
When asked about the “stick forces,” the director denied any knowledge of the private agents: “Who are they? I do not know about this type of forces or persons.”
The National Botanical Garden, also referred to as Bangladesh National Herbarium, is the largest plant and tree conservation centre in the country. It is home to 56,000 trees, and a large variety of herbs and shrubs, including a good collection of aquatic plants.
The 84-hectare garden, established in 1961, is divided into 57 sections.
The forest department under the Ministry of Environment and Forests manages it.
