Gulistan Shaheed Matiur Park — Attraction in Dhaka Metropolitan

On the surface, the once-neglected park has been given a makeover. There are many centuries old trees here. Under which people are trying to relieve fatigue. Heaving a sigh of relief at the touch of green. Inside the park, there are various types of flowers including marigolds. There are also various species of trees including mango, jam, jau, mahogany, cedar, gaab, leafy, acacia, eucalyptus, bamboo.

For the entertainment of the visitors, the park has carousels, helicopters, trains, parade boats in the pond, children's floats, haunted houses, swimming pools, canteens for food, gymnasiums and designated parking spaces.

Park entry fee is 10 rupees. And for each ride you have to pay 30 taka. Inside the park there is a seating area to enjoy the view of the pond. Bind the banks around the pond. The pond has a beautiful ghat. The beauty of the park has also been enhanced by the addition of different colored lamps. There is also a two-storey gymnasium. There are all kinds of equipment for exercise. The view from inside the building can be enjoyed on two sides.

Saleha Begum, who came to visit the park, told the Dhaka Post, "I came from Jatrabari with my two sons to visit." I was able to bring the children on holiday. There are various rides to entertain children. Children are also having fun. The cost is a little less near home, so I came here. After the renovation of the park, cleanliness has come here. When it was open, the atmosphere was not good. It used to be occupied by drug addicts.

Resting Gulistan footpath businessman Abdul Haque told Dhaka Post that earlier it did not cost money to enter, now it costs 10 taka. I have come here after a tiring day. Resting, feeling good. A lot of wind by the pond. The environment is better than before. Ghinji area like Gulistan lacks grass and shade trees.

Alamgir, who came to visit with friends, said, we are five friends. I work in a shop in Gulistan. Today is Friday off. So friends are sitting in the park and chatting. There is not much in this park now. You can spend some time just sitting.

Iqbal Hasan, a jobber who came for a walk in the evening, said that Shaheed Matiur Rahman Park has come back to life after being careless and neglected for a long time. Once in the evening, there was a hangout of drunkards inside the park. There was a fear of robbery. Apart from this, there were also anti-social activities. So people didn't come that much. Now people come to this park by paying 10 taka even for walking. If there is security, cleanliness, regular people will come here.

The park is popularly known as Gulistan Park. Being neglected for a long time, the park became a hangout for drug addicts and robbers and a home for the homeless. Garbage piled up around and inside the park. Trees are destroyed. But Shaheed Matiur Park in Gulistan got a new look after renovation. The park has been modernized at a cost of around Tk 6 crore through the 'Jal-Sabuze Dhaka' project of Dhaka South City Corporation former Mayor Mohammad Saeed Khokon.

In 2017, under that project, 19 parks and 12 playgrounds in DSCC area were renovated. It is said that many parks have already been opened under the project. Shaheed Matiur Rahman was opened for visitors in March 2022.

Abul Hossain, who is in charge of Shaheed Motiur Rahman Park, told Dhaka Post that the park was open earlier. Now leased annually. Friday-Saturday has more visitors. About 1500 tickets were sold on Friday. Another day 700-800 tickets were sold. The park is open from 7 am to 9 pm.

Aliullah, the lessee of Shaheed Matiur Rahman Park, told Dhaka Post, "Now we are providing good security in the park. We are vigilant to ensure that visitors do not face any problem. Many people enter without tickets over the boundary wall of the park. I request the city corporation to put glass or barbed wire on the boundary wall. He said that the ride will be extended if the number of visitors...

Gulistan Shaheed Matiur Park is a tranquil oasis located in the heart of the city, offering respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. As an avid nature enthusiast, I was drawn to this park's promises of greenery, peace, and recreational activities. Having visited on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations.

One of the most striking features of Gulistan Shaheed Matiur Park is its well-maintained and lush landscapes. The abundance of trees, colorful flower beds, and neatly trimmed lawns create a visually pleasing and inviting atmosphere. It is evident that the park's caretakers put considerable effort into keeping the surroundings in top-notch condition.

The park's layout is well-designed, providing ample walking paths and jogging tracks that meander through the various sections of the park. This makes it an ideal spot for both avid runners and families seeking a leisurely stroll. Benches and shaded areas are thoughtfully scattered throughout the park, providing comfortable spots to rest, read a book, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Gulistan Shaheed Matiur Park caters to people of all ages, making it an excellent destination for families. Children can have a blast in the playground area, which features modern equipment and safety measures. I noticed kids gleefully playing on swings, slides, and climbing structures, under the watchful eye of their parents.

For fitness enthusiasts, the park offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The dedicated sports area includes courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, encouraging friendly matches and fostering a sense of community among visitors. I joined a group playing a spirited game of badminton and had a fantastic time.

One of the park's highlights is its serene lake, which adds to the overall charm. Boating facilities are available, allowing visitors to paddle around the water and enjoy the company of ducks and swans that call the lake home. It's a perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

During my visit, I couldn't help but notice the cleanliness of the park. Trash bins are strategically placed, and visitors seem to be respectful of the environment, helping to maintain the park's pristine condition. The presence of security personnel also adds a sense of safety and comfort.

The only minor downside I observed was the lack of sufficient restroom facilities. The existing ones were clean, but considering the park's popularity, it would be beneficial to have more restrooms available.

All in all, Gulistan Shaheed Matiur Park offers a delightful escape into nature's embrace. Its well-kept landscapes, diverse recreational options, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you seek solitude, outdoor activities, or a place to bond with loved ones, this park will undoubtedly leave you with pleasant memories. I highly recommend spending a day here to experience the refreshing beauty and tranquility it...

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has decided to make all parks and playgrounds under its jurisdiction off-limits for any sorts of public gathering, including political rallies and religious or social programmes, once the development works that started recently are finished. The DSCC launched the development project to give a facelift to 19 parks and 12 playgrounds. DSCC Mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokon inaugurated the project at the city’s Golapbagh playground. DSCC CEO Khan Mohammad Belal yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that they would make sure that no public gathering or rallies were approved at these parks and playgrounds once the development project is completed. “These gatherings damage the trees and environment, while hampering the city dwellers’ recreational activities there. That’s why we have taken the decision,” he said. The other parks under the project are Gulistan Park, Motijheel Park, Jatrabari Chowrasta Park, Sirajuddoula Park, Sikkatuly Park, Malitola Park, Bangshal Park, and Mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokon Park, which is also known as Sharafatganj Park. The other playgrounds set for facelifts are Kalabagan playground, Basabo playground, Sadeque Hossain Khoka playground, Delowar Hossain playground, Amligola playground, Shahid Nagar Mini Stadium, Balurghat playground, Shahid Abdul Alim playground, Samsabad playground and Bangladesh Maath. DSCC officials said Farmgate Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Chandrima Udyan, Ramna Park and Muktangon would also be brought under this initiative soon. Most of these parks and playgrounds, including Suhrawardy, Chandrima and Ramna, in Dhaka city have become hubs for different illegal activities by squatters, drug dealers, addicts and sex workers. Meanwhile, Awami League, BNP, Jatiya Party and various political parties and organisations regularly hold rallies and programmes in Suhrawarthy Udyan. Also, BNP leaders and activists pay respects at the grave of party founder Ziaur Rahman at Chandrima Udyan on various occasions. In 2011, Dhaka Metropolitan Police had banned public gatherings at Muktangan as part of their security measures for the Secretariat, situated right beside. Police also said that such gatherings near two of the busiest intersections in the city, Paltan and Gulistan, were contributing to severe gridlocks in the area. But, a group of unscrupulous businessmen, backed by a section of ruling party men and DSCC officials, occupied the 83-decimal space and turned it into a parking lot for commercial purposes. Despite repeated media reports and public concerns over the occupation, the authorities concerned are yet to take steps to free it from the grabbers. In January, the DSCC mayor had pledged to take immediate steps to free the public parks and playgrounds in the city from the...