Elementary schools without playgrounds?

A recent survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics suggests that only 2 percent of children have access to playgrounds in Dhaka. More than 11,000 kindergartens in Dhaka don't have any playgrounds. How can an elementary school not have playgrounds? 

Lack of access to play is a national issue that adversely affects children's physical and mental health. There is no alternative to sporting activities. It is through active participation in sports and co-curricular activities that children make sense of the world. It's therefore crucial for elementary schools to provide students with the time and space to play during the school day. Their education is incomplete without it. 

Md. Khalid Hasan

Institute of Education & Research

University of Dhaka