Sightseers ignore closure notice at Ruposhi Mangrove Park
A number of visitors further alleged that the park officials are charging them for entry, but not providing any receipts or tickets in return
The Satkhira district administration recently shut down all tourist spots under its jurisdiction, and banned all manner of public programmes and rallies to stem the tide of Covid-19 infections.
But sightseers visiting the Ruposhi Mangrove Park in Debhata upazila seem to care little about following such crucial health safety guidelines.
On a spot visit on Friday, The Business Standard found tourists wandering around the park while blatantly ignoring the closure notice – signed by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Taslima Akhter – hanging at the main entrance.
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The gatemen are allowing entry to the park after charging visitors money equal to the price of tickets, several sightseers told the correspondent, adding that the park officials themselves are not observing the ban and facilitating the trespassers.
A number of visitors further alleged that the park officials are taking their money, but not providing any receipts or tickets in return.
Responding to a query, park Manager Dipankar Ghosh said some sightseers may have sneaked into the tourist spot through holes in the gate.
Meanwhile, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Taslima Akhter said, "The Ruposhi Mangrove Park was shut down to visitors on Thursday until further notice in a bid to curb the novel coronavirus infections. This move is part of the countrywide measure to tackle the spike.
"I do not know how sightseers are trespassing into the tourist spot, but I will take action against those involved in such malpractice."
