People seeking a scenic retreat along the banks of the Meghna River can now visit a newly established park named Porichchhonno Prangon, located at Saju Mollar Ghat in Charbongshi Union of Raipur Upazila in Laxmipur district. The park was officially inaugurated on Sunday night (Oct 26), though hundreds of visitors had already been flocking to the site ahead of its opening, particularly during the weekends.
Situated about 17 kilometers away from Raipur town, the compact 20-decimal park features dedicated walkways, seating benches, and children's swings, all centered around a prominent banyan tree with a stone-paved base. The initiative by the Upazila administration aims not only to provide a recreational space for locals—whose livelihoods are predominantly tied to fishing in the Meghna River and agriculture—but also to instill a strong sense of environmental consciousness and cleanliness among the public.
Visitors to the park can enjoy panoramic views of the sunset over the river while also having the opportunity to taste fresh hilsa from the Meghna at adjacent local eateries, which serve popular regional dishes such as fried hilsa and various traditional mashed preparations. Local business owners report that the scenic attraction has successfully drawn crowds from distant areas, thereby boosting local commerce and generating economic vitality for the community.
The public park operates daily from morning until 10:00 PM without any admission fees, relying on a community-led security committee and village police members to maintain safety. Facilities include external restrooms and decorative illumination along narrow pathways and flower gardens that light up during the evening hours.
Highlighting the broader educational and societal value of the project, Raipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mehedi Hasan Kawsar expressed optimism that this clean and green environment will inspire younger generations to build a litter-free Raipur and contribute to a cleaner Bangladesh. Authorities have urged all visitors to preserve the natural beauty and tidiness of the riverbank area by refraining from littering.
