Dhaka: LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced today that the government has undertaken initiatives to reclaim all playgrounds across the country from encroachers, with the goal of restoring recreational spaces for the public. The minister addressed the Jatiya Sangsad, responding to an urgent notice under section 71 of the rules of procedure presented by ruling party lawmaker Begum Nilufar Chowdhury Moni. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal presided over the session.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government is actively conducting mobile court operations led by district executive magistrates in all districts and upazilas to clear playgrounds of encroachments. The initiative aims to modernize these spaces and rid them of drug-related activities. The minister highlighted that during a previous regime, many playgrounds and open spaces were encroached due to partisan affiliations. The current government is now working to reclaim and rehabilitate these areas for public use.
The government has initiated a project to develop and recover 256 parks and playgrounds under the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Notable developments include the transformation of Shaheed Matur Rahman Park in Gulshan into a modern facility, free from hawkers and criminal activities. Similar development efforts are underway at several other parks and playgrounds across Dhaka, including Mothijheel, Nababganj, Rasulbagh, Khilgaon-Bashabo, Sadeque Hossain Khoka, Hazaribagh, and Amligola.
The LGRD minister also noted that 38 parks and playgrounds under the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) have been modernized and are now open to the public. Regular eviction drives are conducted to maintain these spaces. Additionally, projects to construct playgrounds and parks are progressing under the Chattogram City Corporation. In Khulna, mobile courts operate regularly in various parks to ensure a healthy environment for residents.
Highlighting the situation further, the ruling party lawmaker revealed that Dhaka has 235 playgrounds and parks across 129 wards. Of these, the public can access only 18 percent, while 60 percent remain encroached, and a mere 7 percent are under government control. The scarcity of playgrounds is a significant issue, with 41 out of 129 wards lacking any playgrounds at all. A study by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) indicates that 84 percent of Dhaka’s residents live without access to playground facilities.