Citizens' hopes that the interim government would make urban areas livable, equitable, and environmentally sustainable remain largely unmet, experts said at an online program organized by the Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) on Friday.
The event, themed "Planning, Development, Environment and Equity in Urban Areas of Bangladesh in 2025: Citizens' Expectations and Achievements," focused on systemic shortcomings in urban governance, planning, and management across Dhaka and other cities.
IPD Executive Director Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan said that while the interim government enacted laws on urban planning, building construction, and urbanization, citizens' concerns were largely ignored. "Encroachment of fields and parks remains the same. Public access is restricted in many areas. Mymensingh, Barisal, and Rangpur have formed development authorities, which will increase bureaucratic dependence, while urban governments remain inactive," he noted. Dr. Khan also criticized the government for disregarding citizen movements, particularly opposition to private car-based expressways, though he acknowledged the cancellation of the Gazipur-to-airport BRT project as a rare positive step.
Speakers condemned the revision of Dhaka's Detailed Area Plan under business pressure, warning it will worsen population density and stagnation. Dr. Farhadur Reza of Jahangirnagar University said, "RAJUK is diverting from development control and engaging in the housing business, undermining planning objectives." KM Asif Iqbal Akash added, "Those who violate environmental laws easily get away with minimal compensation, and business groups pay no attention to regulations."
IPD member Tofail Ahmed Sajeeb pointed out, "State urban agencies, including RAJUK, have failed to enforce the BNBC Code. The government has not implemented planning and building laws to reduce risks to citizens' lives."
Planner Sajid Iqbal emphasized, "Without a legal framework, transparency, accountability, and good governance, no plan will be effective. Decentralization initiatives have not been meaningfully implemented."
Research associates Genius Jannat and Kazi Tasnia Tabassum highlighted delays in improving slum conditions and enforcing planning laws, calling for stronger institutional capacity and coordination.
IPD Director Dr. Muhammad Ariful Islam said, "Even after 55 years of independence, there is no national-level spatial plan. Those responsible for implementing plans are mostly bureaucrats. Professionals and planners must be involved."
While the National Urban Policy and Spatial Planning Ordinance were approved in 2025, speakers warned that these frameworks would remain ineffective without political will, integrated governance, and citizen participation.
They urged the next elected government to prioritize planning, environmental protection, and public engagement over large-scale projects to ensure sustainable and equitable urban development.
