Stop fair on playground

Speakers at a human chain yesterday demanded an end to the month-long fair held on the Banani Chairmainbari playground for the sake of psychological and physical growth of children.
They said while open spaces and playground from the cityscape are diminishing fast and the prime minister is asking for adequate playground, the fair occupying the Banani playground is being held right under the nose of the administration.
Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba), Architect Alumni Association of Buet, Banani Society, Banani Chairmanbari House Owners Association and Nabarun Shangha jointly organised the programme on the playground, said a press release.
The fair is hampering children's sports and is depriving the elderly from their exercise space, the speakers said.
They added that it has become imperative to ensure adequate playgrounds and open-spaces in every locality to help flourish children's physical and mental health and entertainment of the elderly people.
Mentioning the high frequency of earthquakes in Dhaka, they said there should be enough open-space in the city so that people can stay safe during earthquakes.
They urged authorities concerned not to give permission to hold any programmes like jatras or fairs on playgrounds.
Abdus Salam, vice president of Banani Society, and architect Sajjadur Rashid, president of Architect Alumni Association of Buet, spoke among others.