Scarcity of open space in Dhaka

Health is wealth. To maintain good health, we need to exercise regularly and do some physical activities.

Lack of open space in our Dhaka city is compelling young children and young people to stay away from the much needed physical activities. We see they are more engaged in video games or Internet browsing or using smartphones. These have an adverse effect on their overall well-being.

Physical activities and sports are very important for our health. I remember when I was a child there were plenty of open spaces and my days were full of physical activities. Even my school had two playgrounds-- one big and one small which were always crowded with students. After completing my school hour, I used to play there with my friends and thus enjoyed my school days to the fullest.

Many parents are afraid to let their children play outside homes. We cannot blame them as they feel the city is not safe-- there is often news of killing and kidnapping. Most of the schools have no field and students have no space to play which hamper their physical growth. The price of land is increasing in our city. Many apprehend remaining open spaces will be vanished in the thin air soon.

I hope the city corporations will look into this matter and recover all the grabbed open space. Thus Dhaka will be more suitable for children to play and elderly people to walk or jog.

Mohammed Sohel Hara

Bonoshree, Dhaka

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