Lack of open space in Dhaka

SCARCITY of open space in Dhaka is painful and the most depressing aspect of the episode is that young children are the worst victims of it. They are being kept away from much-needed physical activities essentially required for their overall well-being and physical and mental growth. The benefits of physical activities cannot be overlooked on the plea of urbanising the society and to avail benefits of technological development. Physical activities and sports are indispensable for our health. I remember when I was young there were plenty of open spaces in the city and my childhood days were full of outdoor games like football, badminton, and volleyball. My school, 'East Bengal Institution' situated at Sadarghat, had two playgrounds - one big and another small and both were always vibrant with sporting activities. I remember, after school hours, I used to play there with my friends and had plenty of fun. I never knew what boredom was like. Nowadays, young children often suffer from boredom and depression. The parents are also afraid to let them go out in view of increasing people and traffic and existing lack of open space. Most of the schools now have no play grounds of their own. I think this is where the government should intervene. The city corporations should be asked to give attention to this issue. The corporations can easily recover all the open spaces illegally grabbed by influential people and make those available for the children to play and elderly people for walking or jogging.
Mohammed Sohel Hara
Bonosree, Dhaka
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