Govt to establish 101 parks across country: minister

The government has unveiled a plan to construct 101 parks across the country to address the acute shortage of parks, playgrounds, and open spaces, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher told Parliament on Tuesday.

Responding to a scripted question from opposition lawmaker Nurul Islam, the minister said data collection is currently underway to support implementation of the initiative.

Several projects are already in the pipeline, with Development Project Proposals (DPPs) awaiting approval.

These include the construction of a park at Anwara Udyan in Farmgate, Dhaka; development of playgrounds in Rampura, Khilgaon High School, and the Khilgaon Rehabilitation Area; and the establishment of a community centre in Khilgaon featuring an Eidgah and park facilities.

Highlighting recent progress, the minister said two parks in Chattogram and two in Cox’s Bazar have been completed, alongside the modernisation of Ramna Park in Dhaka.

These facilities have already been opened for public use. Meanwhile, construction of another park is ongoing in Tarakanda, Mymensingh.

Zakaria Taher emphasised that environmental protection remains a top priority in all development efforts to ensure planned urbanisation.

He added that the government is promoting efficient land use through multi-storey construction, along with the adoption of advanced technologies, eco-friendly building materials, energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment plants, and adequate green spaces.