Rangpur recreational spots reopen after six months

After six months of closure, the people of Rangpur have started visiting tourist spots, sites, and parks of the district again from yesterday.

All the spots were closed on March 24, at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, Rangpur Zoo and Tajhat Jamidarbari will remained closed for a few more days, as their authorities are yet to take any decision on reopening.

At the end of August, Ahsan Habib, Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur, issued a public notice over the reopening, with directives asking visitors and authorities to maintain health safety guidelines.

During a visit to several spots on Monday, this correspondent found that the sites were being cleaned and redecorated ahead of the reopening. In Rangpur, the most popular entertainment spots include Suravi Udyan, Nasniyar Beel, Chikli Park, Bhinnajagat and Anandanagar. Many of these spots now sport an attractive look to welcome back visitors.

Curators at these parks said they are doing everything to ensure health guidelines as given by the health ministry.

Although a reopening date is yet to be fixed, the Rangpur Zoo has become a more attractive place, thanks to the lack of visitors for over six months, which made it a safer and more comfortable place for the birds and animals. As a result, the entire zoo wears a fantastic look, our correspondent found while visiting the largest entertainment spot in the district.

Dr Ambar Ali, Deputy Curator of Rangpur Zoo, said, "We are ready and we hope to open the zoo soon."

The custodian of Tajhat Jamidarbari in Rangpur said the spot is not reopening as they are yet to get any instruction from the concerned department.

Meanwhile, the decision to reopen the spots has brought joy to residents of the district, especially children.

Accordingly, their parents are preparing to their families out to the spots, although many are unsure of whether it is time yet, with the pandemic showing no signs of stopping.