Playgrounds turned into cattle markets in just one week

People say that Dhaka is such a city that grows without children in mind. Most of the children in the city nowadays, either spend their leisure time on smartphones or playing indoor games because of the lack of suitable time and open playgrounds in the neighborhood. Moreover, children especially in Dhaka could not manage to go outside due to the Covid-19 restrictions in the last two years.

Kids for the first time in the last two years will be allowed to freely move here and there in their neighborhood during the Eid-ul-Azha vacation as the Covid-19 restrictions are almost over. But the question is where would they go for outside fun as most of the playgrounds in the city have already been occupied by the cattle traders. All large playgrounds and open spaces are now turned out to be cattle markets in Dhaka and the adjacent areas just a week ahead of Eid.

Besides the two permanent cattle markets in Gabtoli and Sarulia, some 19 other makeshift cattle markets have been set up in two city corporations in Dhaka. Of the 19 markets, five have been set up occupying playgrounds in Dhaka South City Corporation while one in Dhaka North.

Those playgrounds are—Donia Collage ground, Uttar Shahjahanpur Railways Colony ground, Institute of Leather Technology ground, open playground adjacent to Rahamatganj Club, Brothers Club ground, and Dhaka Polytechnique ground.

While spot visiting, it has been seen that children and teens were playing on DNCC Shahjahanpur Railway Colony ground just a few days ago. But they lost the opportunity of playing outdoor games there as this ground has already been turned into a busy cattle market.

Yeasin Mollah, one such teen, told thereport.live that they have no other alternative open spaces in the locality to play outdoor games or to hang around with friends. They have lost the chance to play together. “The playground will remain dirty for a long period once Eid is over. We will not be able to play here for an uncertain period as nobody would clean it for us after the occasion is over.”

The same situation is prevailing all over the cities in Dhaka. Tejgaon Polytechnique Ground, which is the only open space for kids to hang out, has been turned into a cattle market by the DNCC authorities. Sources claimed that an influential quarter has been occupying the playground for the last five years. They set up makeshift cattle market there every year during Eid-ul-Azha, “managing the DNCC authorities.”

While visiting the spot in person, it has been seen that a portion of the north wall of the playground was broken down to make it the entry to the cattle market. Moreover, some other establishments on the ground have also been damaged to facilitate the market.

One Ruble Raihan said this ground has been kept abandoned for the last five years.

Although DSCC Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh last year assured that no cattle market would be installed on the playground in his area, this time the DSCC is witnessing most of such markets.

Contacted, DSCC Chief Property Officer Russell Sabrin denied all the allegations. He said: “No such markets have been installed on the playgrounds in the DSCC. The cattle markets were set up in the adjacent areas. We will take proper action if anyone uses any playground as a cattle market.”

Thereport.live also tried to contact DNCC Chief Property Officer Mohammad Mahe Alam to talk over the issue. However, he was not available for his comment.