Congestion in Dhaka becomes the worst during school time. Walk to school rather than driving children to school can be a solution to the problem. A safe walking condition is necessary for it. To ensure a safe and convenient walking environment, it is important to engage children and community people with the process.  The issue has been seriously considered in the detailed area plan (DAP). A 2 days long workshop was organized engaging the children and community people of Rayerbazar on ‘Creating a Safe Walking route to School’ on 10 and 11 February 2018. The workshop was organized by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), SHELTECH and Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust. A view exchange meeting was organized at the end of the workshop.

Students and teachers from 5 schools in Rayerbazar and community people participated in the workshop. On this workshop students were given detailed idea about map. After the discussion students on the problems while they walk to school and their desired solution, students were taught to identify those on the map. Later, students surveyed two roads of Rayerbazar area. Students recommended 5 types of roads. Such as: considering the type of the roads some roads can be pedestrianized, some can be opened for both vehicles and pedestrian, some roads will be opened for only non-motorized vehicle and pedestrian and in some roads private cars will be restricted in an specific time of the day. Implementing thses recommendations can ensure a safe walking environment for the students as well as the community people.

Director of RAJUK, Planner Ashraful Islam said that we have taken decision to ensure community schools in revised DAP. RAJUK will not permit school in the community where there is an existing one. We have organized the workshop to find out the needs of the students. We will conduct a pilot project in Rayerbazar.  

Zonal Executive Officer of Zone-5 of Dhaka North City Corporation, SM Ajior Rahmna said to develop the walking condition in Dhaka, we will have to ensure coordination among the relevant bodies. To maintain the walking environment, community participation is very important.

Urban Planner Neaj Rahman said that, previously we prepared a plan of a canal in Barishal with the help of students. We want the participation of students in revised DAP too.  We have prepared a transport management plan of Rayerbazar area with the help of students.

The view exchange meeting was presided by Director of Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, Gaous Pearee. She said, walk to school will fulfill physical activity need of children. So it is important to ensure safe walking environment.

the view exchange meeting was moderated by Program Manager of Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, Maruf Hossain. Other speakers of the program were Principal of Dhaka Ideal Cadet school MA Mannan Monir; Teacher of Ali Hossain Girls School Jerin Sultana and many more.