Dhaka Parks Combine Dog Walks With Group Fitness Classes

Over 300 dog owners joined organized morning fitness sessions at Gulshan Lake Park last month, turning the green space into a regular meeting point for runs, stretches and playtime.

Pet ownership in Dhaka has climbed steadily since 2023, when the city corporation relaxed rules on animals in public areas, and residents now seek spots that support both physical activity and pet companionship without conflict.

Two established locations draw crowds

Gulshan Lake Park on Road 19 hosts free group yoga at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays, where participants tie their dogs nearby before joining circuits that include resistance bands and bodyweight drills. Nearby, Banani Lake Park on Kemal Ataturk Avenue opened designated dog zones in early 2025, complete with water stations and fenced areas that allow owners to alternate between walking laps and strength sessions led by local trainers from the Dhaka Wellness Collective.

Both parks sit within easy reach of residential blocks in these upscale neighborhoods, where apartment dwellers without private yards rely on the sites for daily exercise.

Numbers show growing use

Dhaka North City Corporation recorded 4,200 dog registrations across its parks in the 2025 fiscal year, a 35 percent increase from the prior period, with entry remaining free though some fitness groups charge 300 taka per month for guided sessions. Sessions at Gulshan Lake Park run every Tuesday and Thursday, while Banani Lake Park adds weekend events starting at 7 a.m. to accommodate working professionals.

Residents interested in joining should arrive with a leash, waste bags and basic vaccination records, then check the Dhaka North City Corporation website for updated schedules before heading out.