As part of the movement demanding the Dhanmondi playground be opened to the public, activists of nearly 50 environmental and social organisations rallied to the spot from the capital’s Shahbagh yesterday.
They forcefully entered the playground after the rally, organised by Green Voice, an organisation of green activists, who had reached the spot around 10am. There they formed a human chain to press home their 10-point demand, including a stop to construction of structures and removal of all illegal establishments.
“I’ve seen it as I walked past it many times. I’ve always wanted to play here but couldn’t. Today I’m very happy that I finally got the chance,” said Farha, 8, as she entered the playground with her parents. Mobasser Hossain, member of the national assembly of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) and former president of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), said: “Despite a High Court order to free up the ground by removing illegal structures, no action has yet been taken by the city corporation.”
He said in 2004, after Bapa and IAB submitted a petition, the High Court directed the city corporation (now Dhaka South City Corporation) to free up the ground from the illegal occupation by Sheikh Jamal Club.
In March 2011, the court again ordered DSCC, the Public Works Ministry (PWD) and the club authorities to remove all illegal structures so that the ground remained open to everyone.
Iqbal Habib, joint general secretary of Bapa, said: “We heard that today a minister will visit the place. We fear the club authorities might convince the minister so that they can continue such illegal activities.”
The activists alleged the committee controlling the playground on behalf of Sheikh Jamal Club is headed by Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
A large number of law enforcers were guarding the area when activists entered.
Sheikh Jamal Club authorities erected some structures on the ground and have kept it under occupation without permission from the government.
Nearly three decades ago, PWD tasked the Dhaka City Corporation with maintaining and supervising the ground.
Locals alleged the club authorities had taken control of the ground gradually, with city corporation authorities continually playing a dubious role in this regard.
Anwarul Karim Helal, team manager of the club, said: “We are very surprised at the attitude of the activists. They forced their way inside by breaking the lock of the main entrance. We could’ve resisted them but we didn’t.”
Abdul Gaffar, sports in-charge of the club, said a press briefing would be held at 11am today. He said the DSCC and the Local Government Division (LGD) are in charge of the construction work.
