Several environmental organisations gathered at Tetultala playground in Dhaka yesterday, which they claim was to celebrate a year of preventing the public space from becoming a police station. Last year, the government had withdrawn its decision to build the Kalabagan Police Station on the playground, following resistance from environmentalists and locals. The victory was a symbol of the power of united action, claimed the activists. Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel.The coordinator of Tetultala Maath Rokkhya Andolon, Syeda Ratna, who had been arrested along with her son during the movement, stated that the playground is necessary for children’s cultural activities. With the playground now saved, the plan is to start cultural activities for the children in the space, she said. Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori, emphasised that the preservation of the playground has given children a space to play and proved that anything is possible if locals unite. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, chief executive of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, added that the victory was the beginning of a long-term plan for the development of the playground and protection of open spaces and reservoirs in respective areas. Iqbal Habib, joint secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon, stressed that Tetultala ground is a symbol of the playground protection movement and that similar movements should be built to protect open spaces and reservoirs. However, police initially did not give permission for a large-scale event at the playground, citing the upcoming SSC examination as reason. The police had cordoned off the ground and surrounding roads yesterday afternoon, and additional police forces were deployed. Later, the programme proceeded without the use of a stage and mic. Now, they plan to arrange a bigger programme after the SSC examinations, informed Syeda Ratna. The victory of the environmentalists and locals in saving Tetultala playground highlights the importance of preserving open spaces and playgrounds in urban areas, the activists said during this time.