Need a long-term decentralisation plan
Dhaka has recently been branded as the second worst city in the world to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The ranking simply confirms what we have always known.
This is mainly because Dhaka is an extremely overpopulated city. It is perhaps one of the reasons why Dhaka has not done well when it comes to urban development and planning.
Yet, Dhaka still provides the most opportunities for jobseekers. In addition, those who lose everything due to climate change in the coastal regions come to Dhaka to take shelter and build a new life. Therefore, the city’s population will only increase should things continue the way they are.
On top of it, successive governments have made Dhaka the centre of literally everything. This needs to change. The government should adopt a long-term decentralisation plan, under which, major government offices would be distributed around the country. If the government begins decentralising itself, large businesses will follow suit.
Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
East West University
