Govt directs schools, colleges to keep playgrounds open for children

The government has directed all educational institutions to keep their playgrounds open for children after academic hours and during holidays, aiming to ensure wider access to sports facilities across the country.

The directive was issued on Monday by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) , asking authorities to take necessary measures in line with instructions from the Ministry of Education. The order, signed by Deputy Director for Physical Education Professor Md Shahidul Islam, has been sent to heads of all government and private colleges and secondary schools.

According to the order, playgrounds must remain accessible to boys and girls after regular institutional activities and on weekly or other holidays, so that children from surrounding areas can use the spaces for play.

The ministry, in a prior communication to the Director General of the Directorate, said the decision was taken at the first meeting of an inter-ministerial committee formed to identify and ensure proper use of playgrounds in both urban and rural areas. It emphasised that existing fields in primary, secondary, and higher educational institutions must be preserved.

The letter states that "the existing playgrounds in educational institutions must be preserved" and that "the grounds should be kept open after the regular activities of the institution are over and on weekly or other holidays for the convenience of surrounding boys and girls."

Officials said the directive has been circulated to regional directors, deputy directors, district education officers, and upazila and thana level secondary education officers for implementation and monitoring.