DNCC mayor leads cycle rally, vows to protect farmgate park

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam has vowed not to allow the construction of a shopping mall in Anwara Park at Farmgate. “We must protect our parks and fields. Anwara Park will remain a park where people can walk and exercise,” he affirmed.

The mayor made this announcement during the “Pedal for Planet” bicycle rally on Saturday, June 8, which started from the National Parliament House and ended at Gulshan-2 Circle. He also promised to designate roads for cycling twice a month within the Dhaka North City area, saying, “We will allocate roads for cycling two days every month.”

The rally was organized jointly by the volunteer organizations Jaago Foundation and Volunteer for Bangladesh in celebration of World Environment Day 2024. The aim was to raise awareness about carbon emissions, environmental conservation, and sustainable activities. The rally, which saw the participation of 350 cyclists, started at the National Parliament House and passed through Bijoy Sarani, Mohakhali, and Banani before concluding at Gulshan-2 Circle. Mayor Atiqul Islam also participated in the rally, cycling up to the Gulshan-2 Circle to encourage the participants.

Mayor Atiqul Islam emphasized the importance of sports in creating a drug-free society. “Physical exercise and sports are essential for building a healthy, drug-free society. Cycling is an excellent form of exercise. Many people suffer from various diseases due to a lack of sports and exercise. To stay healthy, we must engage in sports,” he stated.

He also advised the youth to spend less time indoors and more time playing sports outdoors.

“Climate change is causing environmental damage in many ways. Carbon emissions are increasing due to various vehicles. But cycling is an eco-friendly mode of transportation that does not emit any carbon. That‍‍`s why we encourage cycling. We will create dedicated cycle lanes. However, even when cycle lanes are provided, they often get encroached upon. We will counteract such encroachments with the help of volunteers and the youth,” the mayor added.

Korvi Rakshand, founder and executive director of Jaago Foundation, was also present at the rally.