THE slow death of Dhaka鈥檚 green spaces under the pretext of development is not merely an environmental concern; it is directly influencing the liveability of the city. The government鈥檚 latest decision to construct a road through Osmani Udyan is yet another example of such destruction of public parks in the name of development or modernisation. The road construction project includes a 20-storey car park to accommodate government vehicles. The 24-acre park, one of the last major sources of greenery in Dhaka, has already been closed to the public for seven years for various development projects. Now, plans to connect Fulbaria鈥檚 Phoenix Road to Abdul Gani Road by cutting through the park threaten to further erode Dhaka鈥檚 fragile urban ecosystem. Environmental groups such as Dhoriti Rokhhay Amra have condemned the decision and called for an immediate cancellation of the decision. This pattern of destruction is neither new nor surprising. In past years, successive governments have razed vital urban greenery, including Panthakunja park, Anowara Udyan and sections of Hatirjheel, all while branding these acts as progress. The previous regime pushed these projects, ignoring scientific assessments and urban planning principles. The result is a city choked by pollution, worsening heat and dwindling access to fresh air.
In a city already suffocating under the weight of unchecked construction, where pollution levels soar and public spaces shrink by the day, this brazen assault on greenery is, as many have termed it, nothing short of environmental vandalism. Dhaka already ranks among the most polluted cities in the world, a metropolis choked by unplanned urbanisation and a grotesque disregard for sustainability. In the 2024 Global Liveability Index, Dhaka was ranked 168th out of 173 cities, which is the sixth least liveable city. The few remaining green pockets serve as the lungs of the city. Yet instead of safeguarding these vital areas, the authorities have opted to keep taking down trees or encroaching on public parks. The High Court has repeatedly ordered the authorities to list parks and playgrounds, halt construction, ensure public access and report progress, but the orders are largely ignored. With 41 city wards in Dhaka lacking parks and playgrounds, failing to protect the existing ones is unacceptable.
It is high time the authorities abandoned its myopic, profit-driven model of 鈥榙evelopment鈥� and recognised that true progress is measured by the quality of life afforded to its citizens. It must take responsibility for restoring and preserving what little green space remains rather than continuing down this destructive trajectory. The time to act was yesterday, but if there is any hope left, it lies in the people demanding better before it is too late.