The National Botanical Garden in Mirpur, popularly known as the Botanical Garden, is a popular spot for nature lovers in the capital.
Previously, adults could enjoy the garden's natural environment for an entry fee of Tk 20. However, starting from Thursday, visitors will have to pay an entry fee of Tk 100. This five-fold increase has sparked criticism, with many calling the hike inhumane and taking to social media to voice their displeasure.
Not only a recreation centre, the garden is also frequented by local residents who use it for exercise and morning walk. In addition to the increased ticket price, a one-year card fee of Tk 500 has been imposed for morning walkers, allowing them to stay for one hour each day during a fixed time.
When contacted, Shaukat Imran Arafat, Director of the National Botanical Garden, said that the fee increase notification came from the Ministry of Forests. The entry fee is collected by a contractor. The new notification officially designates a one-hour period for morning walks, a practice that was previously unofficial. Morning walkers must now obtain a card for an annual fee of Tk 500.
According to the new pricing structure, visitors above 12 years of age must pay Tk 100, while those below 12 years of age will be charged Tk 50 to enter the garden. Educational groups will be charged Tk 1000 for groups of lesser than 100 students and Tk 1500 for groups of more than 100 students.
Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a circular proposing new entry fees for all eco-parks and national botanical gardens managed by the forest department.