, Aug. 16 -- Environmentalists and civil society members on Saturday voiced serious concern over the persistent encroachment on government-owned parks and playgrounds in the capital, warning that the shrinking open spaces pose a grave threat to urban life and the environment.

Addressing a press conference at the World Literature Centre under the banner of the 'Open Field, Park, and Waterbody Movement', they said permanent protection of these public properties is impossible without amending existing laws.

The speakers alleged that the Dhanmondi playground, once open to all, had been taken over by a private club that built structures on the premises, limiting public access.

They claimed that the club earned crores of taka from government...