Dhaka Planners Demand Long-Term Strategy to Tackle City's Growing Problems

Urban planners are calling for sustained, coordinated long-term planning to combat Dhaka's persistent issues of pollution, waterlogging, and traffic congestion. They emphasized the critical need for the continuation and full implementation of existing plans, regardless of political or administrative shifts. The planners issued a stern warning against altering or canceling approved frameworks for personal or commercial benefit.

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Dhaka’s poor global liveability ranking was a key reason for raising the issue.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), planners demanded that plans be reviewed every five years, maintaining core objectives while incorporating input from experts, agencies, and local stakeholders. A central demand is that no projects be undertaken in sensitive areas like wetlands, farmland, or water bodies unless they align with approved plans. Development, they stressed, must adhere to long-term, plan-based strategies that balance future urban and regional needs with environmental protection and the interests of future generations.

BIP President Dr. Muhammad Ariful Islam highlighted Dhaka's dismal global liveability ranking as a primary driver for their concerns. He noted that only about 8 percent of Dhaka's area is green space, which is insufficient for a liveable city. Dhaka ranks 171st out of 173 cities, a situation he described as deeply concerning. Islam linked urban planning directly to transport, air and noise pollution, waterlogging, green spaces, public health, safety, and social inclusion, stating that Dhaka is becoming increasingly unliveable because infrastructure and services have not kept pace with rapid urbanization.

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Dhaka is becoming increasingly unliveable because planned infrastructure and services have not kept pace with rapid urbanisation.

Further compounding the issue, Dhaka ranks 18th among the world's most polluted cities. Islam pointed out that the capital, which once had around 56 canals, has lost 26, and 48 areas are now identified as vulnerable to waterlogging. Unplanned urbanization, encroachment on canals and water bodies, and inadequate drainage systems are identified as primary causes. Concerns were also raised about noise, visual, and light pollution stemming from unplanned signboards and billboards, which negatively impact the city's aesthetics, environment, and road safety. Traffic congestion alone results in an estimated loss of 50 lakh working hours annually, translating to an economic loss of Tk 37,000 crore.

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Traffic congestion causes a loss of 50 lakh working hours every year, resulting in an estimated economic loss of Tk 37,000 crore.

Planner Dr. Adil Muhammed Khan urged the government to assess its recent actions to improve the city's liveability and their effectiveness. He expressed dismay over issues such as occupied footpaths, illegal businesses, extortion, and political influence in urban management. While acknowledging canal restoration initiatives as positive, Khan stressed the need for authorities to identify and address those responsible for encroachments.

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The government should assess what it had actually done over the past six months to improve the city’s liveability and how effective and visible those initiatives had been.