Dhaka: To present an outline of the development thought, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's engineering division organized a policy dialogue titled 'Livable and Humane City' at the Padma Hall of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital. The program began with remembrance of the martyrs of 1947, 1971, and 2024.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim attended the event as the chief guest. He stated that humans are created for welfare, and it is the moral responsibility of Jamaat to make Dhaka and Bangladesh safe, modern, and livable. He expressed Jamaat's determination to transform Dhaka into a humane and livable city.
The dialogue was conducted in three sessions. In the first session, Brigadier General (Retd.) ATM Ziaul Hasan presented 'Let Us Build Together Livable, Caring, Governable, Functional Cities and Towns', outlining seven pillars, including power and energy, modern healthcare, merit-based employment, planned development of districts and upazilas, housing and environment balance, and economic restructuring.
In the second session, Engineer Shahjahan Alam, Chairman of Axis Triangle Group, led 'A National Vision for Livable and Humane City'. He highlighted that Dhaka ranked 171st among 173 worst cities globally, with significant annual extortion from hawkers and transport. He promised that if Jamaat comes to power, these excesses will end, and Dhaka will be transformed into a humane and livable city with modern facilities.
In the third session, Planner Khondkar Md. Ansar Hossain, former secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, presented 'Building Together', criticizing expressway projects built without research, causing waste and environmental imbalance. He emphasized adopting realistic solutions that ensure a balance between nature and infrastructure.
Panellists in the discussion included academics, planners, engineers, and former officials such as Prof. Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rab, Dr. Adil Mohammad Khan, Dr. Fazle Elahi, Engineer Abid Hasan Siddiq, and international transport expert Dr. Mahbubul Bari. Diplomats, researchers, and professionals were also present.
In the closing session, Engineer Hafizur Rahman, former executive director of Youth Group, expressed gratitude to participants, emphasizing that building a humane and livable city is essential for survival and a better life in Bangladesh.