Activists from over 50 environmental and social organisations demanded that the structures built on the Dhanmondi playground be removed immediately.
They also demanded punishment of those who had built structures on different playgrounds in the city, violating directives of the High Court.
They made the demand while addressing a rally held in front of the Sheikh Jamal Club yesterday.
The environmentalists held the rally following a report published in English daily the Dhaka Tribune titled “Public playgrounds off-limits to public!” on Tuesday.
Most of the public playgrounds under two city corporations in Dhaka have reportedly become off-limits to children and youngsters for lack of proper monitoring and maintenance by the authorities concerned.
The Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club authorities have allegedly taken control of Dhanmondi playground despite repeated directives from the High Court to keep it as a public place.
Sources said the club has taken control of the ground bit by bit beside the Road 8 since 1962 with city corporation authorities continually playing a dubious role in this regard.
With Mobasser Hossain, member, national assembly of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan (Bapa) and former president of Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) in the chair the programme was moderated by Bapa leader Sharif Jamil.
Professor Jamilur Reza, former president of Bapa, said once upon a time the public field was free, but now it had gone under control of grabbers for lack of proper maintenance. He also urged the government to free the playground from illegal occupation immediately.
Professor Abdullah Abu Sayed, vice-president of Bapa, in his speech said earlier all of the playground were free from encroachment but it was pathetic that in the recent years almost all the playgrounds in the city have gone to the possession of grabbers.
He also said a group of people were using the name of the PM’s youngest brother Sheikh Jamal as a technique to occupy Dhanmandi playground.
“We are urging the government to take immediate steps to free all the playground from illegal occupation,” he added.
Professor Nazrul Islam, vice-president of Bapa, said: “The Dhanmandi playground is not only for a person or an organisation, it is for public.” Architect Mobassar Hossain said: “We will not accept encroachment of the playground.”
“I do not understand by what rights Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Benazir Ahmed was involved in the grabbing of the public playground. I am requesting the DMP commissioner to change his controversial decision,” he said.
Dr Abdul Matin sought prime minister’s intervention in this regard, as the South City Corporation has repeatedly avoided the issue.
