DHAKA, Oct 5, 2025 (BSS) –Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today emphasized the urgent need for planned urban development and effective response to urban challenges.

In a message on the eve of World Habitat Day-2025, he said that the benefits of urbanization have not been fully realized due to lack of proper planning. 

“The United Nations’ theme for this year, “Urban Crisis Response,” is timely and significant in the global context, particularly for Bangladesh, one of the fastest urbanizing countries in South Asia,” he said.

He said, “Unplanned urbanization and unbalanced development concentrated around the capital are hampering progress in other urban areas, while ongoing crises in Dhaka continue to affect citizens’ lives”.

“To address these crises, rapid, transparent, inclusive, and integrated initiatives are necessary, closely aligned with this year’s World Habitat Day theme,” Dr Yunus added.

He lauded the current interim government’s commitment to sustainable and environment-friendly urban development. 

Professor Yunus said the government is formulating and implementing multiple action plans for the development of urban areas nationwide, including Dhaka, with efforts underway to address the urban crisis swiftly and transparently.

Highlighting the collective spirit of students, workers and the public striving for a promising new Bangladesh, he expressed the hope that sustainable and balanced urban development will soon be achieved across the country.

"Through the mass uprising of students, workers and the public, we are moving forward on the path to building a new Bangladesh with potential," he said.

Dr Yunus called upon all stakeholders including private investors, community groups, NGOs, and international partners to play a coordinated role alongside government initiatives to effectively tackle urban challenges.

The Chief Adviser wished all success of the activities undertaken marking the World Habitat Day-2025.