World Cities Day observed in Satkhira

SATKHIRA, Oct 26: A human chain was Formed  in Satkhira on Monday to mark World Cities Day, with speakers calling for planned housing for slum-dwellers.  

The programme was organised by BARCIK and the Education, Culture and Diversity Protection Team in front of the main entrance to Shaheed Abdur Razzak Park in the Satkhira town. 

This year's theme is "Urban Renewal: Adequate Housing for All."

The event was chaired by human rights activist Madhab Chandra Dutta. Speakers included Azad Hossain Belal, Convener of the Satkhira District Citizens' Committee; senior journalist Kalyan Banerjee; Ali Nur Khan Babul, Joint Member-Secretary of the committee; writer Siddiqur Rahman; landless people's leader Abdus Samad; Gazi Mahida Mizan, Programme Officer at BARCIK; and Jyoti Sarkar and Imti Jamil of the Education, Culture and Diversity Protection Team, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Madhab Chandra Dutta said that although Satkhira Municipality is classified as a first-class municipality, many residents still lack access to basic urban services.

He stressed that the rights and housing needs of disadvantaged communities must receive greater attention in urban development plans. He also called for adequate housing for slum dwellers alongside efforts to develop the town in a planned manner.

Ali Nur Khan Babul, joint member-secretary of the District Citizens' Committee, said a 100-year master plan was needed to transform Satkhira into a modern and liveable city.

"We must take a long-term, planned approach to housing and urban development if we want to create a better urban environment and build Satkhira into a beautiful, modern city," he said.

He warned that without such planning, conditions in Satkhira could become even worse in the future.

World Cities Day is observed internationally every year on October 31 to promote sustainable urban development and encourage efforts to make cities more inclusive and liveable.