During the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, the Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur experienced a significant surge in attendance with nearly 500,000 visitors over three consecutive days. The Zoo Director, Rafiqul Islam Talukdar, noted that the peak day saw approximately 190,000 visitors, while around 80,000 and 170,000 people visited on Eid day and the third day, respectively.
The high influx of visitors during Eid led to operational challenges, prompting the zoo to halt ticket sales before 5:00 pm to manage the situation. Despite the scheduled 9:00 am opening time, crowds began forming as early as 8:00 am, and congestion increased significantly after noon. To alleviate the congestion, multiple entry points were opened, but long queues still formed at the exit gates.
Reports of severe traffic congestion in the Mirpur area, particularly near Mirpur-1, were widespread, forcing many visitors to cover long distances on foot due to traffic gridlocks. Some visitors, like Sakib Ahmed from Ashkona, had to walk with their families after being stuck in heavy traffic at Mirpur-1.
Transportation challenges persisted for visitors leaving the zoo, with reports of transport operators charging inflated fares, leading many to opt for walking back home. Tania Rahman, a university student from Mirpur DOHS, highlighted the difficulty in managing the crowd inside the zoo and the lack of available transport upon exiting.
The zoo director mentioned that due to overcrowding in the parking area, vehicle access was restricted from the Rainkhola intersection, reducing congestion inside but increasing the walking distance for visitors. Despite these challenges, the joy on children’s faces while interacting with animals like tigers, elephants, and giraffes remained a highlight for many visitors.
While the zoo continues to attract crowds during Eid, visitors have called for improved management to handle the influx more efficiently. Despite the hardships faced, the opportunity to spend quality time with family and witness the happiness of children interacting with wildlife made the Eid celebration fulfilling for many.