To address inequality in Bangladesh, it is essential to develop villages in a systematic way. Strengthening the rural economy should be a priority, as most of the country's population resides in these areas. The government must take immediate action to plan for village development.
By ensuring that villages are developed thoughtfully, the trend of marginalized individuals migrating to urban areas will diminish, thereby alleviating the pressure on cities. A decrease in urban migration will occur only if effective planning for sustainable development is executed, leading to a Bangladesh free from discrimination, stated Professor Dr. SM Abdul-Awal, Vice Chancellor of Pabna University of Science and Technology.
The Vice Chancellor made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a discussion held in honor of the two-day World Planning Day 2025, which was co-hosted by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and the URP Association on Saturday, November 15. The central theme of the event is 'Smart Minds, Sustainable Future.' The Bangladesh Institute of Planners is a partner for this event, collaborating with Sheltech, DK Consulting, Troy Associates, and PP M.
Earlier today, a vibrant rally took place, traversing the campus. Following this, a meeting was held on the third floor of the Convention Center, chaired by Md. Ashrafuzzaman Pramanik, President of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. In his address as the chief guest, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. SM Abdul-Awal elaborated that while many plans exist in our country, their execution often falters due to a lack of cooperation from the stakeholders responsible for implementing them. For true development to occur, a shift in the mindset of these stakeholders is crucial. If stakeholders engage positively and the government acts effectively, the plans can be successfully realized. He expressed optimism that future administrations will address these concerns. He advised students that achieving success in life requires a well-structured plan, and we must strive to move forward.
The event's special guest, Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Shamim Ahsan, remarked that everything in Bangladesh revolves around Dhaka. However, due to a lack of coordination among the management bodies of the city, Dhaka has been ineffective for a long time. Despite this, people continue to flock to Dhaka. The solution to this issue is to decentralize Dhaka beyond its current confines.
During the event, Bangladesh Institute of Planners President Professor Dr. Adil Mohammad Khan stated that all cities in the country have been developed without proper planning. Currently, no city has a playground for children, nor is there sufficient greenery, water bodies, or even adequate roads for transportation. In the guise of urbanization, cities have been constructed at the expense of the environment, and even rural areas are now facing destruction. If immediate action is not taken, regions like Dhaka, Gazipur, and Savar will become uninhabitable in the future.
Institute of Planners Vice President Shafiqur Rahman and Past Planners Alumni President Atiqur Rahman also addressed the audience. Hosneyara presented an article during the event. In the afternoon, awards were given to the winners of various competitions held on the first day at the award ceremony. The program was conducted by Al Amin, a student from the department.
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