Floaters, labourers, food shops and a 'so-called' office of a political party are gradually occupying parts of the park.

A well-shaped 'Kacha' -- an eatery made of bamboo and tin facing the Golapshah Mazar -- has been put up on the eastern side. "We obtained permission from the original owner, Monwara Begum, before we set out to work," said Elias Hossain, manger of the restaurant.

Monwara and her goons occupied 2.81acres of the park and put up signs of ownership in July 2001. But they were evicted in the face of a public outcry, leaving them to fight a case filed by Dhaka City Corporation (DCC). The case is still pending.

"We are not concerned about the use of the land as an eatery. We will take action on investigation," said DCC's Chief Estate Officer Abu Taleb.

In addition, a tin-shed office of ruling BNP-backed labour wing Jatyatabadi Sramik Dal of Ward No. 56 has also been set on the same side of the park. The office opposite the central telegraph office has not DCC approval either.

"It is an open area and the party office serves the interest of workers," an official of the unit told the Star City, seeking anonymity.

Further there are two more temporary food shops behind the Srmik Dal office, made of tin, polythene sheets and bamboo. "These were set up temporarily for the poor. Although we do not have DCC approval, we pay them tolls to survive," said Nazrul Mia, a shop owner.

Another 10 smaller outlets have been illegally set up within the park. "We have to pay tolls to the police and a local crime syndicate," said Jamal Mia, owner of a makeshift cigarette store.

Osmani Udyan has also become an open garage and parking zone. On the west-end at Nagar Bhaban, people have parked vehicles for washing or repairing, hampering its harmony.

"We have no permission to use the place for parking. It is an open place and no-one claims it," said Shahid, helper of Ajmery Transport.

Many poor use the park as daytime shelter. Those able to convince the police are able to spend the nights while the others search for an alternative. The floating inhabitants destroy the beauty and serenity of the park.

"We shelter here for months without any prohibition. Drug peddlers and addicts sometimes roam the park but never bother us," said Aiub Ali, a dayworker.

Osmani Udyan has been left to fend for itself, as DCC's area 5 has not assigned personnel to protect it.

"An inspector has been assigned to oversee ward Nos. 54 and 56 including Osmani Udyan, but we were not informed of illegal activities in it," said Iqbal Kabir, executive engineer of DCC's area-5.