At present, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the cause of 67% deaths in Bangladesh. Lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, in a short an unhealthy lifestyle is deteriorating the situation. As per the last census, about 6 crore people in Bangladesh are below 15 years.These children do not have enough opportunity for physical activity. As a result, they are in the risk of NCDs. Walk to school can be an easy solution to this problem. Walk to school ensures good physical health as well as good mental health by providing opportunity for socialization. Besides, as walking will reduce motor vehicle dependence, it will be helpful to reduce carbon emission and slow down climate crisis. Walking can also reduce the risk of COVID contagion as we can avoid being seated in closed vehicle.

On 31st August 2021, Astrazeneca, Rayerbazar High School and Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust jointly organized a workshop with the students of Rayerbazar High School in the school auditorium and speakers opined such in the opening session.

Naima Akhter, Project Officer of WBBT has given the main presentation in this workshop. She said that, children are getting deprived for doing their physical activities because of insufficient playground and open places in this city. As a result, they are in the risk of some physical sickness, like over weighted problem, heart disease, sleeping problem and also it affected them mentally. It is possible to meet their physical fitness through going to school by walking. For the reason of walking it helps to improve physical health and reduces the number of vehicles, accidents, traffic congestion and also helps to save travel expenses and time. To minimize the dependency on vehicles it will be helpful to reduce carbon emission. In other words, it is possible to control non-communicable disease by reducing air pollution.

Gaous Pearee, Director of Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust presented the welcome speech. She said that, in Dhaka city there is only 30% communicationis execute by walking. Parents have selecting their children’s schools far away from the residence for their personal choice priority only. Even parents are taking their children by car to the school although in short distance from the misconception of social status. However, many people also depend on rickshaws or cars because walking environmentis not pleasant or safe. It is important to encourage students to walk to school regularly as well as take mandatory steps to ensure the safe walking.

Mrs Meherunnesa, Head Mistress of Rayerbazar High SchooL said that it is mandatory to do physical activity for minimum 1 hour on every day. Walking will play a vital role to meet with physical workout requirements of students. The concerned authorities should also try to improve the walking environment in this city. Along with this it is also essential to raise awareness for students to walk to school.Today’s workshop will take part to upraise the awareness in students. She has given advice towards the students to share their experiences their knowledge about the importance of walking against non-communicable disease with their parents, friends, relatives, younger siblings and be aware themselves also. In the workshop, students were decided into several groups. They point out the problems and solutions during walking and they presented that as well from their point of view. Students were highlighted some basic obstacles during walking, like; reckless speed of motorbikes and private vehicles, broken roads, waterlogging, garbage on road, eve-teasing etc. The solutions include car control, improvement of walking environment, provision of bicycle lanes, illegal parking on sidewalks, abolition of garbage and construction materials from roads, and improvement of sewage system etc.Besides, they expressed their determination to conduct various activities including writing letters to the concerned authorities, awareness programs, campaigns through social media to improve the walking environment.

Senior Project Officer, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, Ziaur Rahman, Assistant Teacher of Rayerbazar High School, Tahazzjot Hossain and assistant project Officer of Work for a better Bangladesh trust, Proma Saha was also present on the workshop.