The Institute for Planning and Development issued a statement on Friday, calling for a reduction in the recently raised entry fees for six botanical gardens and eco-parks.
The fees had been increased by up to Tk 100.
The IPD expressed concern over the significant hike, noting that such a multi-fold rise contradicted national and global commitments to universal and free access to parks.
The increase was described as discriminatory against the principles of public recreation and access to public health facilities.
The statement highlighted that article 15 of the constitution recognised recreation as a fundamental right, while article 17 mandated the state to prioritise the promotion of public health.
鈥楾o ensure equal opportunity for all, there is no scope for transforming botanical gardens and parks into commercial entities,鈥� the statement read.
The IPD called for an immediate reduction in entry fees to ensure accessibility to parks and botanical gardens for all, regardless of their economic and social status.
On April 21, environment, forests and climate change ministry issued a notification announcing the new fees for botanical gardens and eco-parks under the forest department, effective immediately.
The new entry fees for individuals aged over 12 years are 鈥� national botanical garden in Mirpur and Baldha garden in Wari of Dhaka Tk 100, up from Tk 20; Lawachara national park in Moulvibazar Tk 100, from Tk 50; Satchari national park in Habiganj Tk 100, from Tk 35; Madhutila eco-park in Sherpur Tk 100, from Tk 20; Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Cox鈥檚 Bazar Tk 100, from Tk 50; Banshkhali eco-park in Chattogram Tk 50, from Tk 7.
For individuals under 12 years, the new fees are 鈥� national botanical garden, Lawachara national park, Satchari national park, Madhutila eco-park, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park Tk 50, up from Tk 10 and Banshkhali eco-park Tk 30, from Tk 7.
