Bangladesh Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development at World Urban Forum

At the World Urban Forum's 13th session in Baku, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh has strongly reaffirmed its dedication to planned, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban development, aligning its national strategies with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Additional Secretary Ferdousi Begum, presented the recently enacted Spatial Planning Act as a cornerstone for guiding structured urban expansion and alleviating the intense pressure on major cities, particularly the capital, Dhaka.

The forum provided a platform for Bangladesh to showcase tangible examples of its urban planning vision. Projects such as Purbachal New Town, the Jhilmil Residential Project, and Uttara 3rd Phase were highlighted as successful models of planned urban expansion. Furthermore, the delegation underscored the importance of affordable housing, detailing initiatives like slum upgrading in Tongi Datta Para and Korail, alongside Floor Area Ratio (FAR) incentives designed to foster the development of housing for low- and middle-income populations.

Bangladesh's commitment extends beyond mere expansion; it encompasses crucial aspects of climate resilience and heritage conservation. The Old Dhaka Revitalisation Project was presented as a flagship endeavor in this regard. The nation also took the opportunity to acknowledge the vital support received from international partners, including UN-Habitat, the World Bank, UNOPS, UNESCAP, and UNEP, recognizing their contributions to advancing sustainable urban development and tackling pressing environmental challenges. This proactive engagement at the WUF13 signals Bangladesh's determination to build a more sustainable and equitable urban future.