Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced today that the government is committed to freeing the city's playgrounds and footpaths from illegal occupation. Speaking in the Jatiya Sangsad, he highlighted that since the current government took office, the standard of sports in the country has significantly improved, and children now have access to playgrounds. Most parks and playgrounds in Dhaka have been cleared of illegal occupants through eviction drives, and their modernization is underway.
Efforts in Dhaka North and South City Corporations
The Prime Minister detailed that there are 189 parks, playgrounds, and open spaces under the jurisdiction of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). Of these, 38 are owned by the DNCC, including 24 parks, six playgrounds, four children's parks, and four Eidgahs. Initiatives have been taken to appoint security guards, install adequate lighting and CCTV cameras, and boost public awareness campaigns to ensure security in these places.
Development works of 20 parks, four playgrounds, two children's parks, and two Eidgah grounds have already been completed. The remaining 151 parks, playgrounds, children's parks, Eidgah grounds, and open spaces owned by the National Housing Authority, RAJUK, and other agencies will be developed in phases. Illegal occupiers have been evicted from all playgrounds and parks under the DNCC jurisdiction, and eviction drives will continue.
Projects Under Dhaka South City Corporation
There are 256 parks and playgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), owned by the city corporation and other agencies. Illegal occupiers have already been evicted from these parks and playgrounds. Notable development projects include Malitola Park, Shaheed Matiur Rahman Park, Motijheel Park, Nawabganj Park, Osmani Udyan, Jatrabari Children's Park, Islambagh Bashir Uddin Park, Shahbagh Children's Park, Haji Abdul Alim Playground, Rasulbagh Park Playground, Jorpukur Playground, Basabo Playground, Sadeq Hossain Khoka Playground, South Goran Sultan Bhuiyan Jhilpar Playground, Basabo Balur Math, South Basabo, Gazmahal Children's Park, Hazaribagh Park, and Amligola Playground.
Plans for Gazipur and Other City Corporations
Mentioning that there are very few playgrounds under the Gazipur City Corporation (GCC), the Prime Minister said playgrounds are available under various educational and religious institutions. The city corporation is providing financial allocations and carrying out development activities for their maintenance. The government plans to establish eight playgrounds in the eight zones and 57 playgrounds in the 57 wards under the GCC. Efforts are also underway to free playgrounds and parks from illegal occupation and restore them for public use in Mymensingh, Barishal, and other city corporations across the country.
