With the booming urbanisation and urban population, urban development remains a challenge to address for Bangladesh to ensure standard living conditions for all.
To enhance basic living conditions of the urban poor, ActionAid Bangladesh has been working with Urban INGO Forum Bangladesh, a consortium of more than 20 International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs). The platform has been working on the diverse issues related to urban development in Bangladesh.
In continuation of its activities, the 6th Urban Dialogue titled ‘Liveable City for All’ was held on 29 and 30 June 2019 at University of Dhaka focusing on different issues which include road safety, environmental degradation, basic services and provisions, ecological damage, lack of civic responsibility in terms of behavioural issues related to a clean, manageable and liveable city, citizen recognition of the urban poor, shrinking political space for citizens in particular for the young people, safe space for women and children, availability of and accessibility into public easements, disparity in distribution of wealth, and justice in using public tax, among others.
The objective of the dialogue has been to make cities liveable for all in terms of inclusiveness, safety, resilience and sustainability in alignment with the SDG goal 11. State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman addressed the event jointly organized by Urban INGO Forum Bangladesh, and the Dhaka North City Corporation.
He also stressed the need of recycling the trash of Dhaka as a good alternative to dumping it on the outskirts of the city.
Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Secretary Md Shah Kamal said the city needs to make plans in line with the funds allocated, otherwise the execution of any plan would not be feasible.
While presenting the key-note speech, Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences of DU Prof. Dr. ASM Maksud Kamal said, all cities need to set up water bodies and parks to make themselves livable, and environmentally friendly.
The inaugural session was chaired by John Armstrong, National Director of Habitat for Humanity International Bangladesh.
