The High Court鈥檚 order to halt the construction of the elevated expressway extension through Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel, while directing the government not to block public access to the vital urban spaces, is welcome. The ruling follows a writ petition filed by green activists, university teachers and Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement members. It reaffirms what citizens and environmentalists have long argued that Dhaka鈥檚 few remaining parks, playgrounds and water bodies are not disposable pieces of land but essential public commons that should be preserved if the city is to remain liveable. By questioning the legality of the project and demanding the restoration of Hatirjheel to its original shape, the court has rightly drawn attention to grave consequences of an expressway extension that was never part of the original design. Consultants and project officials, in altering plans without accountability, have undermined both the city鈥檚 master plan and public trust. The Panthakunja case is not an isolated issue. It reflects a deep and more troubling pattern of disregard for public spaces in Dhaka.
Home to more than 18 million people, at least 41 wards under the two city corporations lack even a single park or playground. Where such spaces do exist, public access is often curtailed through leases to private entities or neighbourhood committees that often unduly impose restrictions. Urban planners have for long criticised this creeping privatisation as well as the authorities鈥� flawed idea of 鈥榬enovation,鈥� projects that convert large sections of parks into museums, commercial centres or car parks, thereby defeating their purpose as open, accessible breathing spaces. This steady erosion of public spaces is unacceptable. For years, civic platforms and environmentalists have called for the cancellation of park leases, the preservation of open spaces and the restoration of playgrounds for children. Yet, the authorities have turned a deaf ear, prioritising concrete over ecology and short-term gains over public health. Parks and playgrounds are no luxuries but necessities in a city already choking on pollution, heat and congestion. They are vital for children鈥檚 play, the elderly鈥檚 well-being and the community鈥檚 quality of life. The High Court order has drawn a clear line against the reckless destruction of these spaces and it is now for the government to respect that line and act decisively to protect what little remains and to provide Dhaka with the open, green spaces that its residents so urgently need.
The authorities must, therefore, act immediately to safeguard Panthakunja Park, restore Hatirjheel鈥檚 water body and prevent any further encroachment. But the responsibility extends well beyond the two sites. The government should commission a comprehensive review of all parks and playgrounds in Dhaka, revoke leases that restrict public access and expand green and recreational spaces in line with Dhaka鈥檚 detailed area plan.
