As a result of modern urbanization, housing and factories are increasing at an activity rate in the city, which is reducing the environment for sports and physical activity. Children are not getting enough space for sports and physical exercise. As a result, children are becoming housebound and are suffering from various types of non-communicable diseases.
In view of this, a discussion meeting titled ‘Powerful evil forces and the silence of the impoverished authorities in occupying children’s playgrounds’ was held on 30 November 2024 at the meeting room of the World Literature Center by the Center for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA) and the Save the Environment Movement-PABA. Representatives from BARSIC, Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust, Citizen Rights Protection Forum (NASF), Bangladesh Safe Water Movement, Dhaka Youth Foundation, Puran Dhaka Citizen Initiative, Martial Art Foundation, Greenforce, Dhaka University Environmental Sangsad, Environment Watch, Dhaka Youth Foundation, Puran Dhaka Environment Development Forum, and the Save the Tentultala Field Movement participated in the meeting..
Mezba Shumon, General Secretary, PABA, delivered the opening speech of the event. He emphasized the importance of on-site involvement to make reclamation efforts successful. He suggested the development of a comprehensive field action plan to streamline and increase the efficiency of these efforts. Mr. Mezba highlighted discussions held with interim government officials regarding the reclamation of encroached open fields but noted that the lack of proper monitoring often leads to recovered fields being taken over again. He pointed out that progress in reclaiming open spaces is slow due to vested monetary interests of local and politically influential individuals. To address these challenges, he called for a united, collective effort of all the effected and concerned individuals.
Barrister Nishat Mahmud delivered the main article of the event, asserting that public open spaces are not a luxury but a necessity for a healthy lifestyle. She outlined the significant role these spaces play in mitigating depression, heart disease, and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). She stated that while Dhaka requires at least about 700 open fields for its population, only 235 exist, of which 141 are institutional and largely inaccessible to the public, often locked behind paywalls. She also drew attention to the illegal commercialization of open spaces by entities masquerading as sports clubs, which frequently file fraudulent cases against environmentalists to hinder their efforts. She provided examples of how Dhaka City Corporation has failed to comply with court orders, granting control of over five fields to these organizations. Barrister Mahmud concluded by urging collective action and consistent monitoring to ensure the long-term protection of public open spaces.
Syed Ali Bishash, BARSIK ,emphasized that a healthy society is built on interpersonal interactions, and open spaces play a vital role in fostering such connections. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about protecting these spaces for societal well-being and mental health.
Syeda Ratna, a local environmental activist, shared her personal experiences, stating that the current state of society has made her rebellious. She argued that open spaces serve not only as playgrounds but also as cultural havens. Mrs. Ratna called for the development of strong local resistances against encroachers and emphasized the role of community involvement in safeguarding their open spaces.
Hafizur Rahman Maina, President, NAOSF, and Vice President, PABA, highlighted a specific instance of a children’s park in Khilgaon being claimed by Ansar forces as their to be headquarters. Amidst ongoing legal proceedings, the park has been unavailable to the local community for over 13 years. He urged others to join the environmental movement to protect open spaces.
Prof. AFM Sarwar, consultant, CLPA, stressed the importance of open spaces in combating the rise of NCDs in Bangladesh. He advocated for collaboration among activist groups to build a strong resistance and suggested adding cycle lanes, footpaths, and recreational facilities around open spaces to increase community involvement. Increasing public awareness and informing the public of its adverse effects was also mentioned by him.
Lenin Chowdhury, a Public Health Specialist, proposed creation of actionable steps, including creation of a comprehensive list of open fields needing reclamation, forming a social media group to raise awareness, and establishing a united working committee to coordinate efforts. He also suggested extending operational hours for public school fields to facilitate greater use by children and other community members.
The conference concluded with a collective agreement on the urgent need for united efforts to reclaim and protect Dhaka’s open spaces. It highlighted the significance of public engagement, effective monitoring, and collaboration among activists, policymakers, and government agencies.
Recommendations
1. An officer should be given responsibility for the eviction of illegal structures from all fields and parks.
2. All illegal structures in fields and parks should be evicted and converted into playgrounds and parks according to the plan.
3. Every playground should be open to citizens.
4. Illegal football turf should be removed for the business interests of the club by occupying the field.
5. The words “Open to all citizens” should be written on the signboard at the gate of the park and a complaint number should be given.
6. Lawyers should be appointed to deal with the cases of the land grabbers.
7. Societies should be given responsibility and temporary Ansars should be appointed to prevent land grabbers.
8. “Citizens’ fields, open to all” signboards should be installed by RAJUK in every field.
9. All clubs should be evicted from the field.