A law you would like to introduce

If I could introduce one new law, it would require every new residential building in big cities to include a certain amount of shared green space, for example at least fifteen percent of the land, either at ground level or on the roof.

It would mainly affect property developers, who build most of the apartment blocks in Dhaka and Chattogram, but in the long run it would affect everyone who lives in those buildings and the surrounding area.

In terms of how it would work, developers would have to show the green space in their building plans before getting approval from the city authority. Inspectors would then check the site before residents moved in. If a developer didn't follow the rule, they would face a heavy fine and wouldn't get permission for their next project. To make it fair, the government could offer a small tax reduction for developers who go beyond the minimum, such as planting trees on the street outside.

I think it's necessary because our cities are becoming concrete jungles. In my neighbourhood, every year another old house with a garden is knocked down and replaced by a ten-storey building with no trees at all. That makes the area hotter, increases flooding because rainwater can't soak into the ground, and leaves children with nowhere to play. A rule like this wouldn't stop development, but it would make sure that development also keeps cities liveable.