The long-running misappropriation of the Dhanmondi playground by the Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and its barring of the public to this popular recreation area, contrary to a High Court order, is an outrage.
Insult has now been added to injury by the club’s recent attempts to denigrate park users and its spokesperson’s ridiculous and offensive statement claiming that this playground is the preserve of an “elite.”
The lack of swift action on this matter is symptomatic of the low priority given by authorities towards managing and facilitating public space for the benefit of all citizens. This attitude, to which the club is now seeking to pander, is perverse as all citizens want and deserve more access to safe and green public space for recreation.
In a city that sorely lacks public spaces for citizens, and in particular playgrounds for children, an incident such as this is unconscionable.
Urgent intervention is now needed from the government to ensure that the Dhanmondi playground is promptly reopened for public use. The PM, whose family name is being used by the club in question, should support immediate action to open up this playground to for public use.
Those groups such as the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Bangladesh Football Federation, which have lent support to the club, need to remember that they have a duty to encourage more access to and participation in sport. Barring the public from a playground is contrary to everyone’s interests.