Experts at a seminar on Saturday laid emphasis on making long-term plans and policies for sustainable urbanization in the country. Unplanned urbanization creates various problems for the city dwellers, they told the seminar on “Sustainable urbanization” at a city hotel.
Jaitya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury addressed the seminar as the chief guest while Municipal Association of Bangladesh (MAB) President Abdul Baten was in the chair.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sayeed Khokon, Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy, representatives of different government and non-government organizations, among others, addressed the seminar.
Shirin said the government is working relentlessly for the development of cities to improve living standard of the people.
“Public representatives are playing an important role in the development of cities. They are taking effective plans and policies to make the cities livable for the people,” she added.
Bangladesh’s economy is now standing on a strong footing, the speaker said, adding the country is now ahead in different indicators of socio-economic development compared to many neighboring countries.
In his speech, Mayor Khokon said, “Rapid urbanization is taking place in Dhaka city…. We are facing different problems due to rapid urbanization as many developments are not taking place with the proper planning.”
He stressed the need for proper planning alongside ensuring better coordination among the relevant organizations for sustainable development of Dhaka city.
Other speakers said poor drainage system is mostly responsible for water-logging in Dhaka city.
They suggested improving drainage system as well as recovering canals and water bodies in and around the city to get rid of inundation.
The speakers stressed the need for taking an action plan identifying different problems of Dhaka city to make its development sustainable.
