Bangabandhu Safari Park has been in a state of disrepair since its closure on August 5.

Shuttered tea stalls, closed restaurants, empty parking lots, and a deserted entrance—all once bustling with tourists—now characterize the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Safari Park in Gazipur, the second largest safari park in the country, which has been without visitors for nearly two months. During a visit on Thursday, this correspondent found only one battery-powered three-wheeler at the park’s stop. 

“Tourists ask us to bring them here, but once they see the park is closed, they argue with us in frustration. So, I inform them in advance, and they leave disappointed,” said Zakir Miah, the vehicle's driver, sipping tea at the only operational tea stall near the entrance. According to Lal Miah, the stall's owner, most businesses have been struggling since the park's closure on August 5. He opens his shop in hopes of a few customers, while other traders have shut down and returned to their villages.

"Perhaps people don’t know the park is closed," said 80-year-old local hawker Qayyum Mia, who sat near the ticket counter and suggested this correspondent try entering through the alternative Gate No. 2. Upon entering through this gate, the correspondent saw vandalized minibuses, a children’s park in ruins, and neglected areas like the display maps, natural museum, butterfly corner, information center, and food stalls.

Park officials focused on animal care declined to comment, recommending that the correspondent contact higher authorities. An anonymous tourist police officer noted that they are no longer on regular duty and only visit when specifically called.

Rafiqul Islam, the park's assistant forest conservator, stated that following the fall of the Awami League regime on August 5, various birds and animals were looted, and several areas of the park were damaged. 

“Two peacocks and 10 macaws were stolen, and property damage amounted to around Tk 5 crore. The repair costs are estimated to be about Tk 10 crore,” he said. Despite the damage, the animals still receive sufficient food, as per tender agreements.

When asked about the time frame for renovations and whether the park would be renamed, he responded, “We’ve submitted the budget estimate to the authorities, and the work will begin based on their directive.” No decision has been made about the park's name, he added.

On a positive note, some new animals have been added to the park’s collection during this period. An elephant from Gopalganj’s Kotalipara arrived last week, bringing the park’s total number of elephants to nine. Additionally, 13 spotted deer—five males and eight females—were brought in from Gazipur’s Kaliakair and will be released after quarantine, pending their health, according to the assistant forest conservator.