Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is committed to reclaiming all parks and playgrounds in Dhaka's two city corporations as well as in other metropolitan cities from illegal occupation.
The move is to restore "child-friendly recreational spaces and a pleasant urban environment", he told parliament Wednesday.
While responding to a question from Lutfullah Hel Majed, a lawmaker from Mymensingh-8 constituency, the prime minister said most parks and playgrounds in the capital had already been cleared of illegal encroachments through eviction drives, while modernisation and redevelopment works were currently underway.
According to the prime minister, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has a total of 189 parks, playgrounds and open spaces. Of these, 38 are owned by the corporation itself, including 24 parks, six playgrounds, four children's parks and four Eidgah grounds.
To improve security at these facilities, the authorities have installed CCTV cameras, set up electric lighting and appointed security personnel. Development works have already been completed at 28 sites, including 20 parks and four playgrounds, he said.
The remaining 151 parks and open spaces, which are under the ownership of RAJUK and the National Housing Authority, will be upgraded in phases.
The House was also informed that Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has a total of 256 parks and playgrounds under its own ownership as well as that of other agencies. In compliance with court directives, DSCC has been carrying out regular eviction drives to evict illegal occupiers from footpaths and playgrounds.
He said redevelopment work is progressing rapidly at several major sites, including Malitola Park, Shaheed Matiur Rahman Park in Gulistan, Osmani Udyan, Nawabganj Park and Basabo Playground.
Highlighting development plans for Gazipur City Corporation, Tarique Rahman said the city currently has a shortage of playgrounds, but the government plans to establish one playground in each of its eight zones and one in each of its 57 wards.
The eviction drives to free parks and playgrounds from illegal occupation are also continuing in other city corporations, including Mymensingh and Barishal.
The prime minister notes that the standard of sports in the country has improved since the current government assumed office.
He reaffirms government's commitment to ensuring adequate open spaces for children to play in every locality and pledges that eviction drives against illegal occupants would continue in the future.
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