Reza Mahmud :
In the capital Dhaka, most playgrounds and open spaces have been taken over by influential individuals, depriving children of essential recreational facilities and pushing them towards excessive mobile phone use, which hampers both their physical and mental development.
Experts report that many urban children are now facing health issues such as obesity and other conditions, with inadequate physical and social growth due to the lack of accessible outdoor spaces.
Assistant Professor Md. Atiar Rahman, a specialist in paediatric diseases at BSMMU, told The New Nation on Saturday, “City children are suffering from conditions like autism, obesity, and inadequate growth due to a shortage of playgrounds and open spaces.”
As a result, he explained, children are increasingly drawn to mobile devices, often spending much of their time playing video games on phones.
This reliance on digital entertainment limits their opportunities to develop friendships and social skills, as well as bonds with siblings and parents, leading to further physical and mental challenges.
“It is deeply concerning that our future generation is being put at risk due to the actions of a few who have occupied playgrounds,” Dr. Rahman said, urging the government to take decisive action to reclaim these spaces for children.
Adil Mohammed Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), added, “Less than 10 percent of the necessary playgrounds remain in the city, with most open spaces illegally occupied.
A simple government directive could recover these spaces in a matter of days.”
In various areas, including Sayedabad, playgrounds have been repurposed, such as one converted into a truck stand by local leaders.
Similarly, the Dhanmondi playground was previously occupied under the name of Sheikh Jamal Club, and it continues to be held under the Dhanmondi Club, depriving local children of access.
According to global standards, there should be at least one acre of playground for every 5,000 people, which would mean Dhaka requires around 5,000 fields for its population of over 20 million.
Under the city’s Detailed Area Plan (DAP), a playground is required for every 12,500 residents, which translates to a need for 1,466 playgrounds.
A recent study by BIP found that Dhaka had only 230 playgrounds before 2019, with 140 of these located within various institutions.
Additionally, over 50 open spaces previously used by local children have since been lost to construction, while of the remaining 40 public playgrounds, 16 have been taken over by influential individuals. Only 24 playgrounds remain open to children, with several of these only accessible during limited hours.
This reduction in play spaces has limited children’s opportunities for outdoor activities, contributing to health issues like obesity and a lack of physical fitness.
Experts caution that without sufficient playgrounds and open spaces, the next generation will face increased physical and mental vulnerabilities.