The historic Osmani Udyan in the heart of Dhaka has finally been reopened to the public after remaining closed for development and renovation work for nearly nine years. Following its official inauguration, the park welcomed visitors from Tuesday morning. While the reopening of this vital green space has brought relief to city residents, the introduction of a 10 Taka entry fee per person by the Dhaka South City Corporation has sparked considerable frustration and criticism among visitors and local residents who feel the public is being unnecessarily taxed to access their own recreational grounds.
Located near the bustling Gulistan area, Osmani Udyan was once a popular gathering spot and a crucial lung for the densely populated capital. However, large-scale renovation projects kept the park locked and inaccessible to the general public for almost a decade, depriving citizens of its walking paths and natural environment. The lengthy closure drew widespread disappointment over the years, making its recent reopening a much-anticipated event for families and fitness enthusiasts seeking respite from the urban chaos.
Despite the excitement surrounding the reopening, visitors faced an unexpected hurdle at the gates. Parents and everyday citizens expressing their desire to stroll through the newly renovated grounds were surprised to be stopped and asked to purchase tickets. Many visitors voiced their resentment, questioning the rationale behind charging an entry fee after keeping the park closed for nearly a decade. They argue that public parks should remain freely accessible to all citizens without financial barriers.
In defense of the policy, city corporation staff stationed at the gates explained that substantial funds were invested in modernizing and renovating the park. They noted that the entry fee is being collected to help offset these development and maintenance costs as per official directives. While authorities view this as a necessary step for the upkeep of the facility, the public remains unconvinced, viewing it as another restriction on public space.
Furthermore, despite the completion of major renovation works, initial observations reveal that areas within the park, particularly the internal water bodies, still suffer from accumulated debris and algae, which detracts from the overall visitor experience. Urban planning experts and civic groups have emphasized that while reopening the park is a welcome development, authorities should reconsider the entry fee and ensure rigorous maintenance to truly serve the public interest.
