On the demand for establishing dedicated bicycle lanes in Khulna city, “Healthy City Forum” has, on behalf of various citizens, social, and development organizations, submitted a joint memorandum to the Chief Executive Officer of Khulna City Corporation.
The letter states that under the “Healthy City Khulna” initiative, implemented with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), various programs are being carried out to encourage citizens’ physical activity and active lifestyles. In a recently held two-day workshop (7–8 October 2025), citizen representatives, youth organizers, government officials, academic representatives, and members of civil society collectively proposed that the establishment of dedicated bicycle lanes in Khulna city would increase regular physical activity among citizens, particularly cycling, and promote environmentally friendly transportation.
The proposal further suggests that bicycle lanes could be introduced on existing roads or newly constructed roads on a pilot basis. This would not only improve citizens’ physical well-being but also reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, control traffic congestion, and contribute positively to sustainable urban development.
The letter mentions that under the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (2018–2030), the “Active Environments” strategy recommends creating dedicated infrastructure for safe walking and cycling in cities. Establishing dedicated bicycle lanes in Khulna would be a practical reflection of this international guidance and serve as a transformative step for citizens’ health and well-being.
In the public interest and in continuation of the “Healthy City Khulna” initiative, Healthy City Forum has requested Khulna City Corporation to take necessary measures to implement this initiative.
The joint letter has been signed by several citizen and development organizations in the Khulna region, including: SIAM, BELA, WBB Trust, Center for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA) Trust, urban social and cultural organizations, NISCHA, MASAS, Khulna Cyclist, Greater Khulna Development Struggle Coordination Committee, Rupantor, BIP Khulna Chapter, Apex Bangladesh, Khulna Development Society, BD Clean, Citizen Forum, and Clean Up Khulna.
Healthy City Forum believes that if this initiative is implemented, Khulna city will take a significant step toward becoming a healthier, environmentally friendly, and sustainable urban area.
Organized by: SIAM, BELA, WBB Trust, Center for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA) Trust, Urban Social and Cultural Organizations, NISCHA, MASAS, Khulna Cyclist, Greater Khulna Development Struggle Coordination Committee, Rupantor, BIP Khulna Chapter, Apex Bangladesh, Khulna Development Society, BD Clean, Citizen Forum, and Clean Up Khulna.
