On December 4, 2023, representatives from Citizen Network and Public Health Lawyers Network sat down with Khulna City Corporation’s (KCC) Honorable Mayor for a candid discussion on turning Khulna into a healthier, more active city. The focus? Reviewing laws and policies to boost disease prevention through exercise, physical labor opportunities, and green spaces—while tackling real-world roadblocks.
The delegation first met KCC’s Chief Revenue Officer and Secretary (Additional Charge) Sanjida Begum, along with Chief Planning Officer Engineer Abir ul Zubar. They shared exciting updates: KCC’s ongoing projects include protecting 23 city ponds, safeguarding playgrounds across wards, developing parks with exercise and walking facilities, and ensuring continuous pedestrian walkways. “These steps could transform public health,” one officer noted.
But challenges persist. Delays stem from timely approvals by KDA and the Environment Department. Worse, despite available land, ponds are being filled illegally for buildings—violating water policies, wetland laws, and environmental rules—even on government and private sites. Officers emphasized that with support from district administration, Environment Department, Khulna Development Authority, and others, KCC can drive real change for Khulna’s urban health.
Present at the Mayor’s office meeting were SIAM Executive Director Adv. Md. Mashum Billah, AID Foundation Senior Program Officer Kazi Hasibul Haque, SIAM Project Officer Adv. Md. Enayet Hossain, Senior Tax Lawyer SMG Neowaaz, Md. Lokman Hossain, Mostafizur Rahman Shakil, Md. Naimul Islam, Asif, and Somapti Bairai, among others.
At Citizen Network and Public Health Lawyers Network, we’re energized by this dialogue. Let’s keep the momentum—join us in advocating for green, walkable Khulna!
