Describing the Tentultala playground as an 'asset of police', home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the Dhaka deputy commissioner had allotted the land deliberately and the law enforcement agency had paid money for it.
He came up with the statement at the secretariat after holding a meeting with three leading rights activists – Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the chief executive of Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA), Khushi Kabir, the coordinator of Nijera Kori and Sangeeta Imam, the founder of Udichi Shilpi Gosthi.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan told the media, “We are returning with a bit hope. We are convinced with his words that he would keep the issue under his active consideration.”
However, the home minister said most of the police stations in the Dhaka metropolitan areas are operating at rented houses and this is why the police are facing some hassles.
“We told the DC as per rules if any land could be acquired and allotted to the police. The DC deliberately allotted this land to us, after holding discussions with the local public representatives. Police paid its price and the DC later handed over the land,” minister Kamal said.
About the Tentultala playground, the minister said, “Our statement is clear. We need a piece of land (for the children), and the Kalabagan police station also needs a building. Keeping the issue in mind, we have said that we would consider if the mayor or any other authorities arrange an (alternative) place for us.”
“It is the place selected for our police station. It has been arranged officially,” he continued.
Asked about the cancellation of construction work, he said, “We are not embarking on the construction phase right now. If you find out a better option, we will definitely consider.”