Rights activists thank Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday ordered keeping the Tentultala field in the capital’s Kalabagan area as a playground, bringing a happy end to environmentalists and locals’ protests of the construction of a police station on the ground.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal announced the PM’s instruction at a press conference at his office. He said the playground would be open to everyone, but would be under the jurisdiction of police.
He said since there was no playground, open space or recreation facility in the area the prime minister instructed that the place be kept open.
Asked about the construction of a wall in the field for the police station, Asaduzzaman said not much of the wall was constructed.
Locals, rights activists and environmentalists have been demonstrating to save the playground for several days. On April 24, Kalabagan police picked up Syeda Ratna, who was leading the protests, along with her son. Police released the mother and son around 13 hours later, with an undertaking that she would not get involved in any protests to protect the playground.
Yesterday, news of the PM’s announcement came at a time when leaders of different organisations were about to start a press conference on Tentultala playground.
After getting the news, there was happiness and relief among the leaders, who stood up and showed their gratitude to the prime minister, saying the announcement was an Eid-ul-Fitr gift to children of the area.
Syeda Ratna said she had faith that if their demands reached the prime minieter, she would definitely save the playground.
“We love you Bubu [the prime minister],” she said.
“We are very happy. We sought an Eid gift from the prime minister and she has given it to us,” said Subha Safayet Sizda, a student of class three, who was present at the programme.
She said the number of playgrounds in the city had reduced but a playground is very important for children’s physical and mental health.
Speaking at the press conference, Mubashar Hussain, president of Institute of Architects Bangladesh, pledged his support to prepare a modern design for the playground and sought funds to make Tentultala a beautiful playground.
He hoped that Dhaka South City Corporation would take charge of the playground from now and do everything for its development.
“We are grateful to the prime minister. With the decision she proved that she is the daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” said Rasheda K Chowdhury, former adviser to the caretaker government and vice president of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon.
Thanking the PM, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, founder of Gonoshasthaya Kendra, said even from behind the scenes the prime minister can see what many politicians cannot.
“We are beside you, prime minister. Do not have any fear,” he said.
The construction work of the boundary wall for the police station went on under the supervision of police until midnight Wednesday.
A day after the detentions of Ratna and her son, green organisations, rights bodies and eminent citizens demanded that the government keep the Tentultala playground open to all and stop the construction of a police station there.
On January 31, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner’s Office handed over the playground to Dhaka Metropolitan Police for constructing a building for Kalabagan Police Station. At present, a rented place on 30 North Road is being used as the police station.
Over the years, Tetultala playground, which covers one bigha of land, has been in use for multiple purposes. It has been used as a playground, Eidgah and a place for namaz-e-janaza.
– With The Daily Star input
