Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed authorities to establish playgrounds in every union across the country to foster a healthy and sports-friendly environment for children, adolescents, and young people. He also set a directive to create at least 1,000 playgrounds within the next two months.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister issued these directives during a meeting focused on establishing union-based playgrounds and expanding sports activities, held at the Cabinet Division of Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting was attended by various officials, including PM's Deputy Press Secretary Suzauddowla Sujon Mahmud.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for each union to have at least one playground, aligning with commitments made in the election manifesto. He also instructed Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporations to ensure one playground for every two to three wards. Plans include making 40 playgrounds in Dhaka North City Corporation and 90 in Dhaka South City Corporation suitable for sports by December.
The initiative aims to establish playgrounds in all 4,599 unions nationwide, with 403 pieces of khas land identified in 27 districts so far. Playgrounds will range between three and eight bighas in size. A sports officer will be appointed in each upazila to maintain these facilities and ensure regular sporting activities.
Additionally, a program will involve around 14 lakh adolescents in various sports such as football, cricket, volleyball, and badminton at the union level. The Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the sports program in all 503 upazilas from Khulna on November 5.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of operationalizing existing upazila stadiums, recovering occupied playgrounds, and promoting regular sports activities in educational institutions. Ministries and agencies were urged to collaborate to preserve playgrounds and support year-round sports and cultural activities, aiming to build a healthy and sports-oriented generation within the next five years.