All parks and playgrounds will be freed from encroachment: Prime Minister in Parliament

The Prime Minister made this statement on Wednesday (July 15) in the National Parliament session in response to a question from Mymensingh-8 constituency Member of Parliament Lutfullahil Majed. The session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal.

The Prime Minister informed that under the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), there are currently a total of 189 parks, playgrounds, and open spaces. Among these, 38 are owned by DNCC itself. These include 24 parks, 6 playgrounds, 4 children's parks, and 4 Eidgahs.

He said that to ensure the security of these facilities, CCTV cameras, adequate lighting, and security guards have been arranged. Development work on a total of 28 facilities, including 20 parks and 4 playgrounds, has already been completed. Additionally, the remaining 151 parks and open spaces under RAJUK and the Housing Authority will be developed in phases.

The Prime Minister informed that in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area, there are a total of 256 parks and playgrounds owned by the corporation and other agencies. According to court directives, regular drives are being conducted to evict illegal encroachments from these fields and footpaths. Currently, development work is progressing rapidly at Malitola Park, Shaheed Matiur Rahman Park (Gulistan), Osmani Udyan, Nawabganj Park, and Basabo Playground.

Regarding Gazipur City Corporation, the Prime Minister said that although the number of playgrounds there is currently low, there are plans to construct 8 playgrounds in 8 zones and 57 playgrounds in 57 wards in the future.

He further informed that eviction drives to free parks and playgrounds from encroachment are continuing in other city corporation areas, including Mymensingh and Barisal.

The Prime Minister said that after the current government took office, various initiatives have been taken to improve the sports environment in the country. To ensure adequate open spaces for children and adolescents, necessary playgrounds will be developed in every area. He also expressed firm determination that eviction drives against illegal encroachers will continue in the future.