Dhaka, Apr 29 (V7N) — Leader of Parliament and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is working to expand citizen services across the country in order to reduce pressure on the capital Dhaka.

He made the remarks during the question-and-answer session in the National Parliament on the 24th working day of the ongoing session.

The Prime Minister said that most public services are currently concentrated in Dhaka, which is one of the main reasons for large-scale migration to the capital. He added that the government is formulating long-term plans for decentralization to ensure balanced development across all regions.

He also stated that the implementation of a family card system will not increase inflation, but rather help reduce it by improving distribution efficiency.

Highlighting development plans, he said improved healthcare and quality educational institutions will be established in different parts of the country to reduce dependency on the capital.

Regarding urban management, the Prime Minister said that both city corporations are taking steps to transform Dhaka into a cleaner and greener city. He emphasized intensified cleanliness drives, mosquito control measures, and a long-term plan to achieve zero-waste management.

He further announced a large-scale urban greening initiative, stating that 500,000 trees will be planted in Dhaka North City Corporation areas over the next five years. Tree plantation will be carried out in vacant spaces under the metro rail from Mirpur-12 to DOHS, as well as under the elevated expressway from Abdullahpur to Farmgate.

The government’s initiatives, he said, aim to improve livability in the capital while ensuring more balanced national development.

END/SMA/AJ