OUR CORRESPONDENT, Barishal

Barishal City Corporation (BCC) has introduced a Tk 10 entry fee for Green City Park, a popular children’s park in the city, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among residents.

The sudden imposition of the ticket system ahead of Eid has drawn sharp criticism, though BCC authorities claim the revenue will be used for maintenance and development.

According to BCC sources, Barishal has seven children’s parks: Swadhinata Park at Amtala Mor, Green City Park in Bell’s Park, Planet World Children’s Park adjacent to Bell’s Park, Shaheed Shukur-Gofur Park in Amanatganj, Shaheed Sukanto Babu Children’s Park near the TV Clinic, and Shaheed Kanchan Udyan on Kalibari Road. Another recently constructed park, Muktijoddha Shahanara Parvin Park on CNB Road, was demolished on August 5 following public outrage.

Among these, only Planet World Children’s Park has been leased out, while the others remained free for children. However, from Eid day, BCC introduced an entry fee at Green City Park, located near Bell’s Park.

Arif Kazi, a resident of Bangla Bazar, said, “I came here with my child, and for the first time, I had to buy a ticket. If BCC implements this system across all parks, it will severely impact underprivileged children. We demand the immediate withdrawal of this decision.”

Pankaj Roy Chowdhury, president of Khelaghor’s Barishal district committee, said, “Providing entertainment for children is the city’s responsibility, not a commercial venture. We hope this ticket system will be revoked.”

Gazi Zahid Hossain, convener of Sachton Nagorik Committee, echoed him.

Nurul Islam, an inspector from BCC’s haat and bazar division, said the ticket system was enforced from March 31 (Eid day). “Two public toilets have been built, and the rides have been repaired. The funds generated from ticket sales will be used for ongoing maintenance and cleanliness,” he said, adding that 1,500 tickets were sold on Eid day alone.