Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is working to ensure safe and sustainable housing for all citizens while also giving priority to sustainable urbanisation.
“Ensuring safe housing for everyone is not as easy for a country like Bangladesh as it is for developed countries. However, alongside universal housing, the government is also placing importance on sustainable urbanisation,” he said.
The prime minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion marking World Habitat Day 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka on Monday (October 5). This year’s observance in Bangladesh is being held under the theme “Universal Housing, Sustainable Urbanisation.”
Tarique said it is essential to ensure safe, quality and affordable housing for everyone in cities while developing environmentally friendly and well-planned urban areas.
“The government is working to ensure universal housing and sustainable urbanisation,” he said.
He said the government is working on various possible plans to reduce the growing pressure of population in urban areas.
Alongside making transportation links between Dhaka and other cities faster, more affordable and safer, the government is also focusing on improving civic facilities for people in rural areas, he said.
According to the prime minister, these measures could create an effective alternative to the growing pressure of people moving towards cities.
Tarique also highlighted the need to bring every region outside the major urban centres into the country’s national development process. In this regard, he announced an initiative to develop a secondary township around Dhaka.
The Ministry of Housing and Public Works organised the World Habitat Day programme on Monday morning. The government’s broader housing policy also emphasises planned urbanisation and integrated civic services.
Before the discussion began, the prime minister planted a Swarna Champa sapling on the premises of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Sumon, State Minister Ahammad Sohel Manzur, ministry Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman and other senior officials concerned were present at the programme.
