Eid holidaymakers overstretch understaffed safari park in Gazipur

With inadequate transports and workforce, the authorities of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park are facing a hard time to handle a massive flow of visitors during the Eid festival.

Around 12,000 people came to the park, a popular hangout in Gazipur on Tuesday, the last day of the official three-day vacation. The number is more than twice the arrivals seen on a regular day.

The park is largely divided into two zones – the core zone and the safari kingdom. The most popular zone is where animals freely loiter around and visitors board minibuses to see them. Areas are separated with boundaries for tigers, lions, bears, deer, giraffes and elephants.

Most visitors opt for this zone, said Motaleb Hossain, ranger of the park. “There are six minibuses with 28 seats each, which are not enough to meet the demand. People wait in queues for hours.”

There should be at least 12 minibuses, he said.

The safari park is home to peacocks, different species of birds, butterflies, turtles, emus and crocodiles.

Thousands throng this zone every day to experience wildlife and greenery from watchtowers.

The authorities cited a lack of workforce for this zone as well.

There are only 47 workers whereas at least 200 people should be on duty, according to the park officials.

In 2015, Tapan Kumar, project manager, formally approached the ministry to appoint more people but nothing was done, said Hossain.

A keeper Rafiqul Islam suggested setting up a permanent camp to ensure safety of visitors.

Poor mobile phone networks are a headache for visitors.

“Mobile networks go down inside deep jungles. Then it gets difficult for visitors as well as workers to communicate with those staying outside.”