Demand to Save Panthakunjo Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir
The Issue
Dhaka is facing an climate and environmental crisis. With only 7% green space and wetlands reduced to less than 3%, the city is becoming increasingly unlivable. Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir vital for reducing air pollution, mitigating waterlogging, improving biodiversity, and cooling the city are now under threat from the Dhaka Elevated Expressway project. This destruction cannot continue.
Why This Matters:
Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir are two vital locations situated at the heart of Dhaka. Known as the lungs of Karwan Bazar, Panthakunja Park was a place of solace for locals. The highly densely populated Kathalbagan area lacks any other park or playground. For the past 7 years, Panthakunja Park, which served as a communal gathering spot for residents, a play area for children, and a walking space for citizens, has been closed under the pretext of various development projects. This green park, habitat to various animal species, was an environmental sanctuary. Similarly, Hatirjheel Reservoir, one of Dhaka's prominent water bodies, played a crucial role in mitigating air pollution, reducing waterlogging, lowering temperatures, and improving connectivity. It also contributed to the city's biodiversity and natural beauty.
Environmental and Urban Challenges:
“According to the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, 81.82% of Dhaka's total area is covered with concrete. For a city to be livable, 15% of its land needs to be green, but Dhaka has only 7% green space. The temperature in concrete-covered areas of Dhaka is 3-4 degrees Celsius higher than in areas with greenery and water bodies. Additionally, while 10-12% of a city's total land should consist of wetlands, Dhaka's wetlands have shrunk to less than 3%.” In April 2024, Dhaka recorded its highest temperature in over six decades, reaching 40.6 degrees Celsius, exacerbated by global warming and unplanned urbanization. This transformation has turned Dhaka into an Urban Heat Island. In 2023, Bangladesh ranked as the most air-polluted country globally, with Dhaka being the second-most polluted city. Air pollution causes over 100,000 premature deaths in Bangladesh annually. According to the Global Liveability Index 2024, Dhaka ranked as the sixth least livable city in the world. Given these factors, Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir are not just essential for the residents of Karwan Bazar but for the entire population of Dhaka.
The Problem with the Elevated Expressway Project and Environmental and Human Rights Violations:
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway project is being implemented under the jurisdiction of the Bridge Authority, which operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges of the Government of Bangladesh. To construct and operate the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, a company named First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Limited was established. In this company, the Italian-Thai Development Company holds a 51% share, China's Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group owns 34%, and another Chinese entity, Sinohydro Corporation, holds a 15% share. The contracting companies for this project are Shandong Hi-Speed Group Company Ltd. and Sinohydro Corporation Ltd. However, since its inception, the project has been marred by corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of coordination. This has led to environmental pollution and public suffering. This project, which violates human rights and existing environmental policies and laws, threatens to destroy Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir. Despite the death of several Bangladeshi citizens at the construction site due to negligence by the foreign company responsible for this infrastructure project, no legal action has been taken regarding this matter. As part of the project, a connecting road (ramp) is being constructed from Karwan Bazar to Palashi through Hatirjheel. This will require 41 pillars placed in the Hatirjheel water body, causing significant environmental damage. The area has already suffered due to sand and soil filling for pillar construction, disrupting the water flow, destroying biodiversity, and spoiling the area's aesthetic beauty. In Panthakunja Park, the construction of ramps has led to the cutting down of over 2,000 trees of 40 species, severely damaging the park's ecosystem. This is a direct violation of Article 18A of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which mandates the conservation of the environment, biodiversity, and natural resources for present and future generations. Additionally, the destruction of wetlands and trees contradicts Bangladesh's environmental and water body protection laws and international commitments, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, which targets 15% green areas and 10-12% wetlands in city corporations and municipal regions by 2030.
Protests and Demands:
After a prolonged halt in construction, the work on the elevated expressway resumed in early December 2024 under the interim government following the July Uprising. Immediately after this, on December 11, 2024, environmental and climate activist Nayon Sorkar, under the banner of “Save Future Bangladesh,” initiated a sit-in protest that day lasted for seven hours, during which other activists joined. Later, on December 14, 2024, the platform of concerned citizens, organizations, and environmental activists in Bangladesh, "Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement (BTPM)" organized a human chain in a park and announced a sit-in protest with the following four demands.
1. Cancel the proposed connecting road (ramp) from Hatirjheel and Panthakunja to Palashi.
2. Remove the pillars from Hatirjheel and restore the water body and environment to their previous state. Halt the construction in Panthakunja Park and restore the park.
3. Publish all reports, including technical designs and environmental and social impact assessments.
4. Hold accountable those involved in the design and implementation of the project.
BTPM declared to continue the sit-in protest until the above-mentioned four demands were met. The activists halted construction at the site and, despite severe cold, noise, and air pollution, persisted with their protest. Many fell ill multiple times but continued their 24-hour sit-in at the park, fighting to protect the park and water bodies. As of today, March 12, the movement has entered its 90th day (and it will continue until our demand is fulfilled).
Petition to the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh:
We, the global and local climate and environment activists, stand in solidarity with the "Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement" and demand the following:
1. Cancel construction of elevated expressway by destroying Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir.
2. Take necessary steps to free Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir from encroachments and ensure the restoration of environment & biodiversity.
3. Ensure the safety of environmental defenders from threats and violence.
To the Decision-Makers:
Chief Adviser, Interim Government, People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Adviser, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Interim Government
Adviser, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Interim Government
Adviser, Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Interim Government
Deadline:
We urge the authorities to address these demands within one month.
How You Can Help:
1. Sign the petition in solidarity with our demand.
2. Write ‘Save Panthakunjo Park’ / ‘Save Hatirjheel’ on the pla-card and post on social media (Tag: @ChiefAdviserGoB and @protectBDtrees - @SaveFutureBd & @ClimateLive)
3. Share the link on social media with these hashtags.
#SavePanthakunjoPark #SaveHatirjheel #SaveGreenOfDhaka #SaveDhaka
Your support will help protect Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir, ensuring a livable environment in Dhaka. Sign now and share this message widely.
This petition organized by:
Save Future Bangladesh in collaboration with Climate Live, Climate Live Bangladesh and Youth Climate Solidarity Network & Fridays For Future-Japan.
Best regards,
On behalf of all,
Nayon Sorkar
Environmental and Climate Activist, Bangladesh.
Chief Coordinator, Save Future Bangladesh
National Coordinator, Climate Live -Bangladesh
Contact: +8801770246249
Email: contactnayonsorkar@gmail.com
414
The Issue
Dhaka is facing an climate and environmental crisis. With only 7% green space and wetlands reduced to less than 3%, the city is becoming increasingly unlivable. Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir vital for reducing air pollution, mitigating waterlogging, improving biodiversity, and cooling the city are now under threat from the Dhaka Elevated Expressway project. This destruction cannot continue.
Why This Matters:
Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir are two vital locations situated at the heart of Dhaka. Known as the lungs of Karwan Bazar, Panthakunja Park was a place of solace for locals. The highly densely populated Kathalbagan area lacks any other park or playground. For the past 7 years, Panthakunja Park, which served as a communal gathering spot for residents, a play area for children, and a walking space for citizens, has been closed under the pretext of various development projects. This green park, habitat to various animal species, was an environmental sanctuary. Similarly, Hatirjheel Reservoir, one of Dhaka's prominent water bodies, played a crucial role in mitigating air pollution, reducing waterlogging, lowering temperatures, and improving connectivity. It also contributed to the city's biodiversity and natural beauty.
Environmental and Urban Challenges:
“According to the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, 81.82% of Dhaka's total area is covered with concrete. For a city to be livable, 15% of its land needs to be green, but Dhaka has only 7% green space. The temperature in concrete-covered areas of Dhaka is 3-4 degrees Celsius higher than in areas with greenery and water bodies. Additionally, while 10-12% of a city's total land should consist of wetlands, Dhaka's wetlands have shrunk to less than 3%.” In April 2024, Dhaka recorded its highest temperature in over six decades, reaching 40.6 degrees Celsius, exacerbated by global warming and unplanned urbanization. This transformation has turned Dhaka into an Urban Heat Island. In 2023, Bangladesh ranked as the most air-polluted country globally, with Dhaka being the second-most polluted city. Air pollution causes over 100,000 premature deaths in Bangladesh annually. According to the Global Liveability Index 2024, Dhaka ranked as the sixth least livable city in the world. Given these factors, Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir are not just essential for the residents of Karwan Bazar but for the entire population of Dhaka.
The Problem with the Elevated Expressway Project and Environmental and Human Rights Violations:
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway project is being implemented under the jurisdiction of the Bridge Authority, which operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges of the Government of Bangladesh. To construct and operate the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, a company named First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Limited was established. In this company, the Italian-Thai Development Company holds a 51% share, China's Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group owns 34%, and another Chinese entity, Sinohydro Corporation, holds a 15% share. The contracting companies for this project are Shandong Hi-Speed Group Company Ltd. and Sinohydro Corporation Ltd. However, since its inception, the project has been marred by corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of coordination. This has led to environmental pollution and public suffering. This project, which violates human rights and existing environmental policies and laws, threatens to destroy Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir. Despite the death of several Bangladeshi citizens at the construction site due to negligence by the foreign company responsible for this infrastructure project, no legal action has been taken regarding this matter. As part of the project, a connecting road (ramp) is being constructed from Karwan Bazar to Palashi through Hatirjheel. This will require 41 pillars placed in the Hatirjheel water body, causing significant environmental damage. The area has already suffered due to sand and soil filling for pillar construction, disrupting the water flow, destroying biodiversity, and spoiling the area's aesthetic beauty. In Panthakunja Park, the construction of ramps has led to the cutting down of over 2,000 trees of 40 species, severely damaging the park's ecosystem. This is a direct violation of Article 18A of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which mandates the conservation of the environment, biodiversity, and natural resources for present and future generations. Additionally, the destruction of wetlands and trees contradicts Bangladesh's environmental and water body protection laws and international commitments, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, which targets 15% green areas and 10-12% wetlands in city corporations and municipal regions by 2030.
Protests and Demands:
After a prolonged halt in construction, the work on the elevated expressway resumed in early December 2024 under the interim government following the July Uprising. Immediately after this, on December 11, 2024, environmental and climate activist Nayon Sorkar, under the banner of “Save Future Bangladesh,” initiated a sit-in protest that day lasted for seven hours, during which other activists joined. Later, on December 14, 2024, the platform of concerned citizens, organizations, and environmental activists in Bangladesh, "Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement (BTPM)" organized a human chain in a park and announced a sit-in protest with the following four demands.
1. Cancel the proposed connecting road (ramp) from Hatirjheel and Panthakunja to Palashi.
2. Remove the pillars from Hatirjheel and restore the water body and environment to their previous state. Halt the construction in Panthakunja Park and restore the park.
3. Publish all reports, including technical designs and environmental and social impact assessments.
4. Hold accountable those involved in the design and implementation of the project.
BTPM declared to continue the sit-in protest until the above-mentioned four demands were met. The activists halted construction at the site and, despite severe cold, noise, and air pollution, persisted with their protest. Many fell ill multiple times but continued their 24-hour sit-in at the park, fighting to protect the park and water bodies. As of today, March 12, the movement has entered its 90th day (and it will continue until our demand is fulfilled).
Petition to the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh:
We, the global and local climate and environment activists, stand in solidarity with the "Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement" and demand the following:
1. Cancel construction of elevated expressway by destroying Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir.
2. Take necessary steps to free Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir from encroachments and ensure the restoration of environment & biodiversity.
3. Ensure the safety of environmental defenders from threats and violence.
To the Decision-Makers:
Chief Adviser, Interim Government, People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Adviser, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Interim Government
Adviser, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Interim Government
Adviser, Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Interim Government
Deadline:
We urge the authorities to address these demands within one month.
How You Can Help:
1. Sign the petition in solidarity with our demand.
2. Write ‘Save Panthakunjo Park’ / ‘Save Hatirjheel’ on the pla-card and post on social media (Tag: @ChiefAdviserGoB and @protectBDtrees - @SaveFutureBd & @ClimateLive)
3. Share the link on social media with these hashtags.
#SavePanthakunjoPark #SaveHatirjheel #SaveGreenOfDhaka #SaveDhaka
Your support will help protect Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel Reservoir, ensuring a livable environment in Dhaka. Sign now and share this message widely.
This petition organized by:
Save Future Bangladesh in collaboration with Climate Live, Climate Live Bangladesh and Youth Climate Solidarity Network & Fridays For Future-Japan.
Best regards,
On behalf of all,
Nayon Sorkar
Environmental and Climate Activist, Bangladesh.
Chief Coordinator, Save Future Bangladesh
National Coordinator, Climate Live -Bangladesh
Contact: +8801770246249
Email: contactnayonsorkar@gmail.com
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Petition created on 12 March 2025