Inaugurated two years ago, Sunamganj children’s park still remains locked

A children's park built in Tahirpur upazila of Sunamganj nearly two years ago remains closed, leaving local children without a dedicated recreational facility in the tourism-rich area.

The park was constructed near the Upazila Assistant Commissioner's (Land) Office and Shani Haor to provide entertainment for children, as the upazila had no dedicated children's recreational centre. However, it has remained largely unused since its inauguration.

Locals alleged that no activities were launched after the inauguration and the park's gate has remained locked round the clock, preventing children and their parents from using the facility. The park has also fallen into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance. Its recreational equipment is reportedly deteriorating, while overgrown grass and weeds have made parts of the premises look like a jungle.

The prolonged closure has raised questions among residents about the cost of construction, the procurement of equipment and the purpose of the project. Many have expressed frustration over what they describe as an unused public facility.

Local Jubo Dal leader Tozammil Haque Nasrum said opening the park would provide children in the upazila headquarters with an opportunity to spend their leisure time in a recreational environment.
He urged the authorities to make the facility operational without further delay.

Upazila BNP leader Emdadul Haque said the park was inaugurated in haste, but children had not been able to use it even once. "Building the park was a good initiative, but what was the purpose of inaugurating it if children could not use it afterwards?" he said.

Contacted, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ripamoni Devi said she had recently joined the post and would look into the project's implementation, construction process and reasons behind the park’s closure. "Surrounded by haors, the upazila lacks recreational facilities for children. The park could provide them with a good place for entertainment. I will discuss the matter with my superiors and take necessary steps to make it operational," she said.