During an exchange of views on December 4, 2023, at the KCC Mayor’s office, representatives from the Citizen Network and Public Health Lawyers Network engaged with Alhaj Talukdar Abdul Khalek, Honorable Mayor of KCC, focusing on augmenting opportunities for physical activity among citizens and securing budget allocations for this purpose. The meeting included Chief Revenue Officer and Secretary Sanjida Begum, Chief Planning Officer Engineer Abir Ul Jabbar, SIAM Executive Director Adm. Md. Masum Billah, Senior Program Officer Kazi Hasibul Haque of the Aid Foundation, SIAM Project Officer Adm. Md. Enayet Hossain, and Senior Income Tax Lawyer SMG Newaz, along with several other participants. Officials highlighted that 23 ponds in Khulna are part of the conservation project undertaken by the KCC. Additionally, plans were discussed to preserve and develop playgrounds, and parks, and incorporate exercise and walking facilities within various wards, ensuring continuous walking provisions along the footpaths. These assurances and initiatives signal a positive direction toward enhancing physical activity opportunities in Khulna, emphasizing inclusivity and gender-neutral access to recreational facilities.
