Despite multiple directives from the higher court, playgrounds and parks in the capital remain occupied. Various clubs and influential groups continue to illegally occupy these public properties, while concerned government authorities remain silent, alleged environmental activists and civil society representatives.
These allegations were made at a press conference titled “Movement to Free Fields, Parks, and Water Bodies” held at the World Literature Center’s conference room on Saturday. Speakers stated that, without amending existing laws, a permanent solution to protect these public spaces is impossible.
The event was chaired by environmentalist and Founder of Pallima Sangshad Hafizur Rahman Moyna and moderated by Mesbah Uddin Ahmed Suman, general secretary of the Poribesh Bachao Andolon (“Save the Environment Movement”) (POBA).
The keynote presentation was delivered by Secretary of POBA Barrister Nishat Mahmud. Among the discussants were public health and policy analyst Advocate Syed Mahbubul Alam Tahin, Amirul Rajib of the Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement, Syed Istiyak Ahmed of “Save Dhanmondi Playgrounds” , Syeda Ratna of “Save Tetultala Playground Movement,” and Firoz Ahmed, member of the Constitution Reform Commission.
Speakers alleged that Dhanmondi playground, once open to all, has been taken over by a club that has constructed structures and restricted access to be open to only its members. The club has allegedly earned crores by selling shares from the publicly-funded land and harassed environmentalists with false cases.
Concerns were also raised about Gulshan’s Shaheed Tajuddin Smriti Park, where the Gulshan Youth Club has illegally occupied eight acres, constructing a football turf and charging hourly fees. Despite court rulings, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) have reportedly handed the park back to the club.
It was revealed that in October last year, RAJUK had decided to cancel the club’s lease and reclaim the park. However, in July this year, DNCC reinstated the agreement – a move activists called a violation of court orders.
The meeting resolved to prepare a list of illegal occupiers and publish it in the media. They also demanded action against officials complicit in the process and announced plans to file corruption complaints with the Anti-Corruption Commission.