Dhaka’s ‘abandoned’ parks

Modernisation of two major parks in Dhaka, Osmani Udyan and Panthakuja Park, has been underway since January 2018 with the aim of beautifying the city's green spaces. However, what was supposed to be a one-year project has become a hotbed of criminal and unethical activities.

Despite the fact that the parks were already frequented by a large number of people who enjoyed the park's tranquility and greenery before construction began, the Dhaka South City Corporation's (DSCC) failure to complete the project on time has resulted in their current state of abandonment.

DEADLINE EXTENDED THREE TIMES

According to DSCC, the project deadline for Osmani Udyan was extended in 2019, and the cost increased from Tk 54 crore to Tk 89 crore for additional works like setting up food courts, museums, libraries, and better drainage systems. However, the project was still not completed by the new deadline of June 2021, which was subsequently extended further.

DSCC finally cancelled the contract for the Osmani Udyan development work with the assigned construction firm around eight months ago, after failure to meet at least three deadlines.

Saleh Ahmed, chief engineer of DSCC, said they fined the contractor around Tk 3.5 crore for their failure to complete the project. Ahmed added that DSCC is currently working on floating a new tender for the project and hopes to award the contract by September 2023, if everything goes according to plan.

PILLARS OR NO PILLARS ?

Meanwhile, Panthakunja Park has been the site of illegal encroachments, including rickshaw garages and a nursery, in addition to being a safe haven for robbers and drug peddlers.

Despite DSCC's Tk 19.20 crore beautification project, development of the triangular Panthakunjo Park was suspended due to a dispute between the DSCC and the competent government organisations over the installation of Elevated Expressway pillars within the park. DSCC has stated that it wants to protect the park entirely and keep it as a green space and public space.

A high-profile committee, led by LGRD Minister Tazul Islam, is currently working on the matter, with representatives from the Road Transport and Highways Division, the two city corporations, Rajuk, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the shipping ministry, the Water Development Board, and the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority.

"We have already given our opinion that we will not allow installation of elevated expressway pillars inside the park as the MRT line has already crossed this area already," said DSCC Chief Engineer Saleh Ahmmed.

EXPERT'S TAKE

Contacted, Adil Mohammad Khan, former general secretary of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, said there is a significant shortage of public places and parks for residents of the two areas. Therefore, he argues that blocking access to these places in the name of development is nothing short of depriving people of their rights.

Additionally, he believes that the city corporation should have completed the project more quickly and handed it over to the people.

Osmani Udyan and Panthakuja Park are vital breathing spaces of Dhaka. Their current state of abandonment is unacceptable, he added.