News Flash
DHAKA, Sep 6, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Social Welfare Barrister Farzana Sharmin has said the government is committed to building inclusive, livable and climate-resilient cities.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the National Urban Forum in the capital today, she said effective steps had been taken to implement the urban policy formulated toward this goal.
The two-day forum is jointly organised by the Local Government Division and UNDP Bangladesh, with support from ADB, JICA, Islamic Development Bank, BUET and the Bangladesh Institute of Planners.
Farzana said coordinated initiatives were being undertaken to develop livable cities through a sustainable framework.
"Every person living in the city will live with the dignity and security they deserve," she said, stressing the need to protect citizens from natural disasters and environmental hazards.
She said the government wanted to create cities that would provide a safe, supportive and pollution-free environment for future generations.
UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques said the forum marked the beginning of a shared responsibility to address urban challenges.
Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director at the British High Commission Dhaka James Goldman expressed hope that the forum would strengthen cooperation on sustainable urban development.
Discussions highlighted challenges including traffic congestion, waterlogging, waste management, pollution and limited institutional capacity alongside the economic activity around Dhaka and the Dhaka-Chattogram corridor.
