As a nation - and a capital city - that is in dire need of a rebuild, it is unfortunate that conversation around this often sidelines a critical element: Recreational and green spaces.
This oversight is nothing if not a grave mistake, particularly in Dhaka, where green space has reportedly plummeted to just 7% of the city -- far below the recommended 15% minimum and nowhere close to what other major capital cities have.
The science is unequivocal: Green spaces are not a luxury but a necessity for urban populations. Continuous failure to provide these recreational spaces comes with profound implications for the health and well-being of our citizens, especially the future of this country - our children.
Exposure to parks, gardens, and natural environments has been linked to lower stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function. Children benefit from more playtime and less screen time, while adults experience reduced anxiety, better sleep, and even lower blood pressure.
There is also greater scope for physical activity -- vital in combating the numerous chronic diseases we see in our population and thus improving overall mortality rates. Green spaces also play a major role in improving our woeful air quality -- another essential component for both physical and mental health.
Our citizens have, over the years, been left with fewer and fewer places to escape what is nothing but a concrete sprawl. They have no space to exercise or simply breathe fresh, clean air. While recent efforts, such as the opening of new parks and playgrounds, are steps in the right direction, they are not enough for a megacity of 20 million, about half of whom are below the age of 18.
Urban planners and policy-makers therefore must prioritize the integration of green infrastructure as a central pillar of our rebuild. Without this, we will simply be rebuilding cities that are unlivable, unhealthy, and unsustainable.
This oversight is nothing if not a grave mistake, particularly in Dhaka, where green space has reportedly plummeted to just 7% of the city -- far below the recommended 15% minimum and nowhere close to what other major capital cities have.
The science is unequivocal: Green spaces are not a luxury but a necessity for urban populations. Continuous failure to provide these recreational spaces comes with profound implications for the health and well-being of our citizens, especially the future of this country - our children.
Exposure to parks, gardens, and natural environments has been linked to lower stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function. Children benefit from more playtime and less screen time, while adults experience reduced anxiety, better sleep, and even lower blood pressure.
There is also greater scope for physical activity -- vital in combating the numerous chronic diseases we see in our population and thus improving overall mortality rates. Green spaces also play a major role in improving our woeful air quality -- another essential component for both physical and mental health.
Our citizens have, over the years, been left with fewer and fewer places to escape what is nothing but a concrete sprawl. They have no space to exercise or simply breathe fresh, clean air. While recent efforts, such as the opening of new parks and playgrounds, are steps in the right direction, they are not enough for a megacity of 20 million, about half of whom are below the age of 18.
Urban planners and policy-makers therefore must prioritize the integration of green infrastructure as a central pillar of our rebuild. Without this, we will simply be rebuilding cities that are unlivable, unhealthy, and unsustainable.
