A hundred-year-old field in front of Abashik Elaka Government Primary School in Habiganj town has been turned into a pond, sparking anger among the locals.
Local residents had been using this hundred-year-old field for playing and exercising. However, as the field has been turned into a pond where fish are now being cultivated, they have lost an important place for recreation.
It was learnt that in November 2022, based on the decision of government officials living in the staff quarters and the Deputy Commissioner of that time, an excavator was used to dig up soil from the southeastern part of the field to create the pond. The government officials did not want the field there and they did not want people to play on that field. At that time, local residents began protesting, and the Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA) visited the site.
Later, the then-Deputy Commissioner explained that the soil was being removed to make the part of the field in front of the school suitable for sports, and the field would be renovated according to a planned design.
However, two years have passed, and the situation has turned out differently. The government officials allegedly used their influence to turn the field into a pond. Soil was extracted from the field under the pretext of renovation, but now fish farming is being carried out there. The field has been divided into two sections with a guide wall several feet high built in the middle. The field has essentially been turned into a pond, where fish farming is now taking place.
Meanwhile, the conversion of the popular field within the government staff quarters into a pond has angered conscious local residents. They want the field restored to its original state.
When this correspondent visited the site on Sunday afternoon, it was seen that the area of the field excavated in 2022 is now home to various types of carp fish. Moreover, different vegetables are being cultivated near the pond. A guide wall has been built across the middle of the field.
Seeking anonymity, a middle-aged man engaged in tending the vegetables, said that the guide wall was constructed before the fall of the Awami League government.
Additionally, another new pond is being created to the west of the pond and towards the school. Only a small portion of land in front of the school is left now. In the evening, a group of children was seen playing football in this remaining area.
When this correspondent spoke to the locals, it was learnt that the field within the government staff quarters is over a hundred years old. Since 1973, various leagues for cricket, football, and volleyball had been organized there. However, in recent years, the field had become unsuitable for play due to a lack of maintenance. Now, it has been turned into a pond.
Residents said that the youth of the area had been demanding the renovation of the field, but instead of being restored, the field was converted into a pond, sparking anger in the community.
Soumik Khan, a resident of Inatabad, said, there is already another pond within the residential area. Creating a second pond by excavating the playground was an irresponsible thing to do. This is a condemnable act. It has deprived the youth of the opportunity to play in that field.
The Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA) has expressed concern over the issue. Tofazzal Sohel, the General Secretary of BAPA's Habiganj unit, said, the playground within the residential area and adjacent to the government primary school is a heritage site. Playgrounds should not be reduced in size. In 2022, the district administration said that the field would be renovated in a planned manner. However, turning it into a pond in the name of renovation is unacceptable. We demand that the field be restored according to the design.
When this correspondent tried to contact, Habiganj Deputy Commissioner Dr. Md. Faridur Rahman and Additional District Commissioner (Revenue) Provangshu Som Mohan via their official mobile phones on Sunday, he was unable to reach them.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Priyanka Pal said over the phone, I am not aware of this matter. I will need to gather details before I can comment further.
