On March 3, 2022, a divisional workshop titled “Role of Local Government in Promoting Physical Activity and a Healthy Diet” was held in collaboration with the Barisal Divisional Commissioner’s Office. The event brought together urban planners, environmentalists, and representatives from various social organizations.
The workshop took place in the conference room of the Barisal Divisional Commissioner’s Office, with Mr. Md. Amin Ul Ahsan, the Divisional Commissioner of Barisal, attending as the Chief Guest. The session was chaired by Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue), Mr. Md. Wahedur Rahman, and was attended by heads of both government and non-government organizations from across the Barisal Division. The event was jointly organized by the Center for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA) and Save the Coastal People (SCOPE).
Speakers emphasized that open spaces such as fields, parks, gymnasiums, sidewalks, ponds, and reservoirs are essential components of urban environments that support physical activity. They stressed that these facilities must be developed through comprehensive urban planning, adequate infrastructure investment, budgetary support, and effective law enforcement. Merely building cities without thoughtful planning will not encourage people to engage in physical activity.
In his address, the Divisional Commissioner noted the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in combating non-communicable diseases. He stated that managing these diseases will be more effective if all stakeholders actively fulfill their responsibilities. He also assured that the Divisional Commissioner’s Office would provide full support in developing and maintaining facilities such as ponds, fields, parks, schools, colleges, and playgrounds in Barisal City to help prevent non-communicable diseases.