"In the fast-growing Bangladesh capital, sun-scorched activists demand protection for city's last green oases."
"DHAKA - It is day 137 of a round-the-clock sit-in to save Dhaka's Panthakunja Park - aka "the pedestrians' oasis". Hundreds of trees have already gone and more are under threat due to plans for an elevated expressway across the Bangladeshi capital.
Green spaces in the city have shrunk from 17% in 1989 to 2% in 2020, driven by Dhaka's rapid urbanisation, yet temperatures are on the rise - making shade a priority.
Hence the vigil, aimed at protecting urban nature - as well as sheltering street vendors, drivers and homeless people.
The road's Chinese investors say they will rebuild the park after finishing their expressway but activists fear the harm to trees and wildlife would be irreparable."
Md. Tahmid Zami reports for Thomson Reuters Foundation May 5, 2025.
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