Public playgrounds, parks, and open spaces in the capital and across the country are being occupied in the name of various clubs. In many cases, the political identity of party activists is used to facilitate these occupations. As a result, the right of children and adolescents to play is being severely restricted. Speakers stated that cancelling the registration of such occupying clubs, expelling individuals who misuse political party identities from their parties, and amending existing laws could put an end to this encroachment.
These views were expressed at a discussion meeting titled “Expectations from Political Parties to Protect Fields and Parks,” jointly organized by BARCIK, the Center for Law and Policy Affairs, and Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA), held at the World Literature Centre on 17 December 2025.
The speakers said that in many places in Bangladesh, playgrounds and parks reserved for children, adolescents, and the general public are being occupied or controlled by influential members of political parties or leaders of affiliated organizations. Through the construction of clubhouses, permanent structures, or fair-like activities, public access and opportunities for sports and recreation are being restricted, undermining the rightful use of open spaces. Political parties must come forward to protect fields and parks, and these commitments should be included in their election manifestos.
They further noted that environmentalists and ordinary citizens have repeatedly sought legal remedies to protect playgrounds and parks, and the Honorable Court has issued strict directives in this regard. However, the government’s executive branch and local government bodies have failed to implement these directives. Instead, in defiance of court orders, they have leased out fields and parks and taken no effective measures for their protection. Although the Field, Park and Waterbody Protection Act, 2000 exists to safeguard urban and metropolitan fields and parks, the current law has not played an effective role. Taking advantage of its weaknesses, occupying clubs continue to grab public fields. The speakers called for a commitment to amend the existing law to be included in party manifestos.
At the meeting, the speakers emphasized that community playgrounds must not be converted into stadiums, commercial facilities, or indoor structures; a separate budget must be ensured for fields and parks; and no leasing should be given to any club or institution. All illegal structures, turf installations, and club occupations must be removed from fields and parks and kept open for public use. Legal action should be taken against encroachers; revenue from WASA pump rentals should be spent on field maintenance; and libraries and seating spaces should be developed in community buildings. In the long term, they recommended formulating or amending laws and policies for the conservation of fields, parks, and waterbodies; publishing a nationwide list of fields and parks; ensuring adequate funding; and enforcing punitive measures against encroachers.
Speakers at the event included Md. Jahangir Alam, Urban Researcher and Coordinator, BARCIK; Advocate Syed Mahbubul Alam, Secretary, Center for Law and Policy Affairs; Advocate Awlad Hossain, Chairman, Global Legal Studies and Development Center; Professor Kamruzzaman, Chairman, CAPS; Mezbah Uddin Suman, General Secretary, POBA; Syeda Anannya Rahman, Head of Program, WBB Trust; Shah Israt Azmeri, Chairman, Children Watch Foundation; Mehenaj Mala, Executive Director, KOSMOS; urban planner Kaykobad Hossain, and representatives from various organizations.
