In an effort to restore the lush greeneries and open spaces of Biplab Udyan in Chattogram city, representatives of the civil society have demanded removal of all concrete structures and illegal business operations that have encroached upon the park.
They raised the demand at a view-exchange meeting held at the temporary office of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) in the city’s Tigerpass area on Thursday.
As per CCC data, the park, Biplab Udyan, was established on two acres of land at gate number two of the city in 1979. At present, concrete structures account for at least 55% of the park’s total area.
However, according to the Bangladesh National Building Code, the proportion of concrete structures within a park must not exceed 5%.
In August last year, the city corporation signed a contract with the private organisation, Reform Consortium, for the beautification of Biplab Udyan for a span of 25 years. As part of the agreement, concrete structures have been constructed within the park.
Architect Jerina Hossain, general secretary of the Forum for Planned Chattogram and board member of Chittagong Development Authority (CDA), said “At present, there are very few open spaces or parks in Chattogram. Biplab Udyan has now become a chaotic expanse of bricks and concrete.”
She also questioned the role of the city corporation to this end.
Vice President of the Forum for Planned Chattogram Engr Suvash Barua said the community lacks confidence in the CDA regarding the development of Chattogram. “They cut 16 hills while building a 6 km road.”
Md Reza, president of Chattogram Press Club, said the authorities should have prioritised the preservation of open spaces in the park rather than focusing on commercial interests.
“The park should be restored to its previous state,” he added.
Faruk Ahmmed, secretary general of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh, Chattogram Chapter, said the residents of the city do not want any structures within the park.
“The pursuit of aesthetic enhancement has resulted in harm to the park,” he added.
However, joining the meeting, representatives from the shop owners’ association requested that the old shops adjacent to the park not be evicted.
Humayun Kabir, president of the association, said they have invested upon consent from the city corporation for a specific period. “The shop owners will suffer if the shops are evicted.”
CEO of Chattogram City Corporation Sheikh Muhammad Towhidul Islam said the views of the civil society members will be presented to the city corporation.
