Dhaka, Oct 05 (V7N)- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is committed to ensuring safe, affordable and sustainable housing for people, particularly those with limited incomes, while pursuing planned and decentralised urban development across the country.
He made the remarks on Monday while addressing a discussion marking World Habitat Day 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. The event was organised by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.
The prime minister said master plans are being prepared for every district and city corporation to promote planned urbanisation and reduce excessive pressure on major cities. He said the government considers housing not merely as providing a dwelling but as ensuring access to safe water, sanitation, a clean environment and essential civic services.
Tarique said ensuring safe and dignified housing is a major challenge for a densely populated country like Bangladesh. He stressed the need for planned cities and sustainable housing as urban populations continue to grow.
He said the government's objective is not to concentrate development in specific areas but to promote decentralisation and balanced regional development so that people across the country can benefit from improved housing and civic facilities.
The prime minister also stressed that ensuring housing for all cannot be achieved by the government alone. He called for greater participation from the private sector and other stakeholders in developing affordable housing and sustainable urban areas.
He said the government is encouraging block-based housing, designated zones for industries and the development of playgrounds and other essential facilities as part of efforts to create more organised communities.
The government has also taken steps to strengthen the institutional framework for planned urban development, including initiatives to establish development authorities in Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur and Narayanganj.
World Habitat Day 2026 is being observed in Bangladesh and elsewhere on October 5. The global theme is “Adequate Housing for All,” while Bangladesh's observance is being held under the theme “Universal Housing, Sustainable Urbanisation.”
The United Nations designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day in 1985, with the first observance held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1986. The day aims to raise awareness about adequate housing, urbanisation and the need for safe, inclusive and sustainable human settlements.
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