A city the size of Dhaka should ideally have 92 parks. In reality it has 54 and those too are under constant threat of encroachment by both public and private sectors. The need for open spaces for recreational purposes is mandatory for any urban centre. Yet RAJUK, the city authority which is entrusted to ensure greenery for residents has been one of the biggest flouters of environmental rules and regulations. According to urban specialists, an open space of four acres is needed for every 10,000 residents but in reality, all one sees is concrete jungle. 

Karwan Bazaar, which is one of the largest wholesale and retail markets in the city, is a glaring example of mis-prioritisation. Less than a decade ago the place featured a children's park but the city corporation handed it over to traders. That commercial greed got the better of an essential civic interest couldn't be highlighted more. With greenery being systematically wiped out of the city's landscape, we are closing the door on healthy development of children and courting invasion of multifarious diseases, including cardiovascular ailments and diabetes even among non-adults. When we are informed by RAJUK that it is taking steps to protect existing parks from further grabbing, we do not feel particularly reassured. Actions are needed not words to undo the wrongs of the past so that the city's estimated 16million residents can breathe some fresh air for a change.