As part of the ongoing movement to save a children's park at Mirpur in the city, Save the Environment Movement and local people organised a drawing competition, signature collection campaign and a cultural programme at the park yesterday.

Around 300 children took part in the drawing competition, said a press release.

The organisers said a vested quarter cut down many trees at the park at Mirpur section # 2 on April 16 in order to construct a commercial market there. But the environmentalists stepped in and forged a united movement with the help of local people to save the park. On April 20, two advisers of the care-

taker government visited the park and ordered a halt to the constructionwork.

Addressing yesterday's programme, convener of Save the Environment Movement Abu Naser Khan stressed the need to preserve greenery and parks in urban areas.

He said greenery helps offset damage to the environment in various ways.

Parks also help ensure healthy physical and mental growth of children by providing space and better environment for their physical activities, he added.

Mirpur Park Protection Committee President Yakub Ali, General Secretary Zahurul Haque, Morshed Ali Khan, Wahid Mia and Khairul Islam also spoke.