Family Fun at Shishu Park

Are you looking for a fun outing with the children whilst in Bangladesh? Look no further than Shishu Park in Shahbag, Dhaka. Founded on a 15 acre plot of land in 1979, this was Bangladesh's first children's amusement park. Filled with fun rides for the kiddies, this is an ideal stop for families.

Shishu Park in Bangladesh was created by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and is cared for by the Dhaka City Corporation. The park was extremely popular in the 1980s and 1990s, attracting many visitors. Over time, however, it suffered deterioration and the number of visitors decreased. However, plans were made in 2007 to revamp the park, fixing rides and increasing the area of the park. The park can attract some 6 000 visitors a day. During holidays, such as Eid-el-Fitr, that number increases dramatically. All this attention means the City Corporation is able to rake in about BDT 200 million each year.

So what can visitors to the Shishu Park expect? The park boasts 12 rides for children, including a merry-go-round, toy train, whirling chairs, swings, Ferris wheel, trampoline, skating rink and more. There are several food stalls where families can grab something to eat and drink, as well as other entertainment stalls. A popular attraction in the Shishu Park was added in 1992: a fighter jet donated by the Bangladesh Air Force. Children are permitted a three minute tour inside the aircraft, during which they can sit in the cockpit and operate the tail flap, which can still move. The jet still has all its switches and dials in place and this is a real treat for little ones.

It costs BDT 8.00 for entrance into Shishu Park and then about BDT 6.00 per ride (prices subject to change), so it is considered a less expensive option when compared to other local entertainment parks. The opening hours during October to March are 14h00 to 19h00 from Monday to Saturday. The hours of operation from April to September are 15h00 to 20h00, also Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sunday. It would be advisable, however, to contact the park to confirm the hours before visiting.

Protected Tourism Zone

Bangladesh is a beautiful country, with a fascinating history and rich cultural heritage, all factors which contribute to the increasing numbers of tourists visiting each year. In recognition of the important role tourism plays in the economy of the country, the Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ghulam Mohammad Quader, introduced the Bangladesh Protected Tourism Area and Special Tourism Zone Bill for consideration by Bangladeshi authorities in mid-June 2010, with the bill being approved on June 27.

Shopping at Bashundhara City

Shopaholics visiting Bangladesh won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit South Asia’s largest shopping mall: Bashundhara City. Situated at Panthapath, Dhaka, Bashundhara City stands out with its interesting rotunda architecture and at a height of 21 stories, eight of which are dedicated to the mall. With space for 2 500 retail stores as well as various other features, this mall will keep you busy all day.