Once a vibrant recreational hub in the heart of the capital, Hatirjheel was known for its gleaming roads, clear waters, modern lighting, and serene atmosphere. Today, however, due to negligence, poor maintenance, and mismanagement, the city’s beloved spot has turned into an area marked by broken roads, foul odor, and growing insecurity. The comfort and convenience once enjoyed by city dwellers are now under serious threat. Hatirjheel’s former charm has become little more than a fading memory.
The Hatirjheel project was inaugurated in 2013 under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army, and it was hailed as one of Dhaka’s most successful urban development initiatives. The lake, bridges, elevated roads, walkways, and water channels were all constructed in a well-planned manner. However, after the project’s responsibility was transferred to RAJUK (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha), the decline began. What started as minor issues gradually turned into severe deterioration over the years.
Cracked Roads and Risky Commutes
A recent visit to the area revealed that the roads surrounding Hatirjheel have now become a network of potholes. Whether it rains or shines, the condition remains the same. Asphalt has peeled off in many places, and stones have surfaced. During the rainy season, potholes fill with water, making it impossible to detect them — turning the route into a trap for motorcycles, rickshaws, and cars alike. Every day, countless commuters travel this seven-kilometer stretch — from Farmgate through Tejgaon to Rampura — risking accidents. Once celebrated as one of the cleanest and most scenic roads in the city, it is now full of craters and cracks.
At night, the absence of adequate street lighting leaves the entire area shrouded in darkness — a perfect opportunity for muggers. The lake water has turned dark and foul-smelling, while garbage and weeds have overrun the surroundings. Even in front of RAJUK’s Hatirjheel Management Office, disorder is clearly visible. After a light shower, knee-deep water accumulates. Inside, stray dogs sleep under the stairs, and the reception desk remains unmanned. The building now serves mostly as a parking and garage space.
An office assistant, speaking on condition of anonymity, said,
“There’s hardly any administrative work done here. The officers mostly work from the Motijheel office.”
Neglected Walkways and Vanished Visitors
The once-busy walkways and parks of Hatirjheel now lie abandoned. Benches are broken, tiles have come loose, and the walking paths are overgrown with grass. Once a favorite hangout spot for the city’s youth, the area has now become filthy and unsafe. After nightfall, the place turns eerily silent — occasionally disturbed by the sound of motorbikes or the presence of muggers.
Local resident Belar Hossain said,
“This place used to be so beautiful that we’d come here with our families in the evenings. Now the stench is unbearable. Accidents occur frequently because of potholes, and at night, the lack of lighting has increased mugging. Nothing has been repaired for years.”
Private car driver Delwar Hossain added,
“Driving here feels like going to war. The car’s wheels fall into holes, and the underside scrapes against the road. Even a little rain floods the entire area.”
Motorcyclist Asaduzzaman shared,
“One of my friends had an accident after his bike hit a hidden pothole. When it rains, you can’t tell where the traps are.”
Majhar Ali, a resident of Kunipara, said,
“People used to walk here in the evenings, and children played around. Now no one wants to come — the smell, the darkness, and the insecurity make it feel abandoned.”
Local businessman Jamal Uddin remarked,
“When the army was in charge, Hatirjheel was clean and orderly. After RAJUK took over, the roads broke down, the lights went out, and garbage piled up. Now it’s so unsafe that no woman dares to walk alone here at night.”
Polluted Water and Environmental Neglect
Residents also complain that the lake water has become murky and foul-smelling. Floating trash, polythene, and plastic waste cover the surface. As a result, aquatic life has declined, and the water has turned black. Environmental experts say that there is no regular system for treating waste and keeping the water clean, which has led to worsening pollution. They emphasize that the problem will persist unless a separate, dedicated maintenance authority is established for Hatirjheel.
Professor Ishrat Islam of BUET’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning said,
“Large projects like this require a regular maintenance budget. In Bangladesh, most infrastructure projects fall into neglect soon after inauguration — Hatirjheel is no exception. Development cannot be sustainable if it ends with construction; proper maintenance and accountability are essential. The lack of these is precisely why this is happening.”
Saifur Rahman, Executive Director of the Road Safety Foundation, stated,
“Although the area is technically under the City Corporation, the infrastructure is managed by RAJUK. Neither side takes real responsibility, and there’s no accountability. No official ever faces consequences for negligence — that’s the root of the problem. Without accountability and fear of losing their jobs, such carelessness will continue.”
In Summary
Once a symbol of Dhaka’s modern urban beauty, Hatirjheel is now deteriorating rapidly due to neglect, lack of coordination, and absence of accountability. Experts and residents alike stress that without proper maintenance, responsible oversight, and institutional reform, this once-proud landmark may lose its remaining charm entirely.