Kushtia District Correspondent: Once a vibrant hub of children’s laughter and family joy, the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Shishu Park in the heart of Kushtia town now stands as a neglected relic of the past. For nearly 20 years, the park has been left in disrepair — and locals blame politics over its name for its downfall.

Established in the 1980s–90s, the park once featured ponds, walking paths, a swimming pool, and enclosures with deer and birds. Hundreds of families used to gather daily for recreation. Today, the once lively spot has turned into a deserted space, frequented mainly by young couples and loiterers.

The park’s entrance mosaic, bearing the name “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Shishu Park,” is now faded and broken. Inside, in-charge Tariqul Islam laments the emptiness:

> “Where hundreds of people used to come, now only 20–30 visit a day. People have lost interest.”

Fifteen deer remain in a poorly maintained cage, with little food visible. The pond once used for fish farming has become overgrown and unsafe.

Civic activists and locals allege the park’s decline stems from political bias. During the long tenure of former Awami League mayor Anwar Ali, no renovations were undertaken. Even BNP leaders echo this sentiment.

District BNP member secretary Engineer Zakir Hossain Sarkar said: “The park was neglected just because of its name. We recently started cleaning it voluntarily.

Around 1999–2000, after Anwar Ali’s defeat, Chairman Khandaker Israel Hossain Afu also overlooked the park, opting instead to build a new one elsewhere.

Now, there’s a glimmer of hope. Kushtia Municipality has announced plans to renovate the park. Executive Engineer Md. Wahidur Rahman said:  “We’re planning to redevelop the park like the one in Gulshan. Work will start soon.”

Environmental activist Khalilur Rahman Moju added: “A children’s park should be a space of joy, not politics. It must be reopened for the children.”

After decades of neglect and political apathy, Kushtia residents now hope the laughter of children will once again echo through the park — breaking the long “curse” of the name Zia.