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Govt preparing master plans for every city corporation, district: PM
Published : Sunday, 4 October, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Observer Online Report
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is preparing master plans for every city corporation and district to ensure planned urbanisation across the country.
In a message ahead of World Habitat Day 2026, he said the initiative aims to build safe, inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable cities while ensuring adequate, safe and affordable housing for all.
The prime minister said the importance of planned urbanisation is increasing amid rapid urbanisation, population growth and rising housing demand. He said this year’s UN theme, ‘Adequate housing for all’, is timely for Bangladesh.
Ensuring safe, affordable, environmentally friendly and dignified housing for all is one of the government’s key commitments, he said.
The government is implementing long-term policies integrating housing, urban planning, civic services, environmental protection and climate resilience, he added.
Referring to challenges caused by the rapid expansion of Dhaka and other cities, including unplanned urbanisation, traffic congestion, pollution, inadequate civic services, housing shortages and climate-induced migration, Tarique said the government is focusing on balanced regional development and planned urbanisation.
He said affordable housing for low-income people and slum dwellers is also part of the government’s election commitments. Initiatives are also being taken to create opportunities for slum dwellers to own homes and establish integrated water and waste management systems.
“‘Housing for all’ does not mean ensuring only a roof over one’s head. It also includes access to safe water, sanitation, a clean environment and essential civic services,” the prime minister said.
He said master plans are being prepared for every city corporation and district with these issues in mind.
Development authorities are also being established in Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur and Narayanganj to strengthen the institutional foundation for planned and balanced urban development, he said.
Tarique stressed that sustainable housing and urbanisation cannot be ensured by the government alone. He called for coordinated participation from private investors, local communities, NGOs, voluntary organisations, research institutions and international partners.
He said public-private partnerships can play an effective role in housing for low-income people, slum development, water and waste management and environmental protection.
The prime minister said the government wants to build a Bangladesh where everyone, regardless of whether they live in urban or rural areas, has access to safe and affordable housing, essential civic services and a healthy, clean and dignified environment.
He wished overall success for World Habitat Day 2026, saying the government’s goal is to build a humane, liveable and sustainable Bangladesh through planned and balanced development.
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
