Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for all citizens during a speech at the World Habitat Day 2026 event.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rahman addressed the audience at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, highlighting the government's electoral commitment to provide planned urbanisation and housing facilities for low- and lower-middle-income people. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to decentralize urban development and integrate all regions into the national development framework.
Rahman noted that population pressure is increasingly burdening cities like Dhaka, making sustainable urbanisation and universal housing critical goals for Bangladesh. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the country's dense population but affirmed the government's efforts to develop master plans for city corporations and districts, aiming for balanced regional development.
To mitigate urban congestion, the government is improving connectivity between Dhaka and other cities while enhancing rural amenities. New development authorities have been established in regions such as Sylhet and Mymensingh to facilitate planned urbanisation. The Prime Minister expressed optimism that these steps would help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 11 for safe and resilient cities.
Environmental considerations are central to the government's housing and urban development plans. Rahman announced a target of planting 250 million trees nationwide over five years and stressed the importance of effective waste management to protect the environment amid rapid urbanisation.
He called for public-private cooperation to tackle urban housing challenges, highlighting the role of private-sector stakeholders in providing affordable and environmentally friendly housing solutions. The government's urban planning efforts include block-based housing schemes and designated industrial zones.
The event also marked the inauguration of a three-day housing fair at the conference centre, featuring participants from the housing and construction sectors. World Habitat Day is being celebrated nationwide with various programs to raise awareness about sustainable urban development.