THE MYSTERY OF DISAPPEARING WATER PART-2

POND AT BANGABANDHU HALL

Prof Nisar mentioned that there is another pond within the campus, which is also currently dry. This reservoir, which covers an area of around 2 bighas, is located inside the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique explained that the pond became polluted due to waste dumping. However, since taking charge, he has taken the initiative to renovate it. Despite efforts to dig, the water does not sustain in the pond. The Vice Chancellor emphasized the need to avoid digging too deep to prevent any risks to nearby buildings. He assured that they are actively working to protect the pond, considering the technical problem. Prof Mofizur Rahman, the provost of the hall, echoed the same sentiment, expressing their desire to preserve the pond.

POND INSIDE SHISHU PARK

The reservoir at Shishu Park, also known as the "mysterious pond," has a peculiar characteristic - water doesn't stay in it for long. This one-bigha water body is surrounded by trees and bushes and has been there since the Pakistan period. According to Mohammad Zakir Hossain, a sub-assistant engineer of Dhaka South City Corporation, even if it fills up with rainwater, the water quickly disappears. During the 1988 flood, the entire park was submerged, and it took a while for the water to recede. However, the pond dried up within a couple of days. The park, established in 1979 on 15 acres of land, has plans to replace the pond with water fountains under a project by the Public Works Department (PWD). Prof ASM Maksud Kamal from Dhaka University mentioned that like the other two ponds in Charukala and Bangabandhu Hall, this one also remains empty except during the rainy season. The pond has been dug up multiple times, affecting the clay layer and preventing water from sustaining in it.

POND AT SHAHIDULLAH HALL

The pond at Shahidullah Hall may not be completely empty, but that doesn't mean it's not intriguing. Many students and staff members believe that there's something lurking at the bottom of the water, pulling swimmers towards it. Despite experts dismissing these superstitions, there have been numerous drowning incidents over the years. According to Billal Hossain, a senior administrative officer, around eight people, including university students, have lost their lives in the pond within the last decade. It's undeniable that there's an air of mystery surrounding this body of water. Even experienced swimmers have met their demise in its depths. Signboards warning against swimming have been put up, but the allure remains. However, Professor Firoz Zaman from the geology department at DU disagrees with the notion of any supernatural forces at play. He attributes the difficulty in swimming to the pollution and lack of oxygen in the water. The pond has been around since before the establishment of the hall in 1921 and was previously used by Dhaka College students. With three landing spots and a size of approximately 7 bighas, the pond is surrounded by trees and benches. Whether or not these ponds hold any secrets, they are an integral part of the city and should be preserved.

The Dhaka University vicinity is embellished with numerous ponds, all of which are well-maintained. These reservoirs are encompassed by lush trees, and there are benches along the banks where individuals can relax and appreciate the tranquility of the water. It is common to spot students engaging in conversations or studying near these water bodies. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique expressed his commitment to taking further measures in safeguarding all the university's ponds, considering the scarcity of such water bodies in the city.