Improving Dhaka’s liveability

Dhaka’s problems have been compounded over the years by a lack of strategic planning at the national level

Water logging, traffic-jam, undisciplined construction work, poor road condition, pitiable sewerage facilities to uncontrollable population boom, all have made Dhaka a perfect example of organised chaos. In fact, the 1,528-square-kilometre city has become dotted with so many predicaments that authorities concerned were forced to declare that there is practically no prospect for an improved situation anytime soon. More than just blaming monsoon rains or inclement weather, it is now time to hold the irresponsible city corporations, engineers and construction companies accountable for their unpardonable incompetence. They are there for easing the life of citizens, but instead they have seemingly become responsible for all the existing problems in Dhaka.

In the face of extreme odds, it is now time for all stakeholders including the capital’s inhabitants to unite under one umbrella. That said, we underscore the need for a comprehensive plan with the participation of all relevant agencies to rescue the city dwellers from this poor state of living.

According to Dhaka structure plan for 2016-2035 adopted by RAJUK, about 2.6 crore people are currently living in the city. Experts have identified a number of problems that the city dwellers are facing, such as overpopulation, unplanned expansion of the city and illegal structures, encroachment of footpaths, deteriorating law and order situation, lack of civic amenities, poor traffic management, housing problem and sprawling slums, inadequate facilities for education and healthcare and environmental issues.

The problems that make a long list are all manmade. The brighter side is that except seasonal inclement weather, it is very much possible to overcome almost all the hurdles. Dhaka’s problems have been compounded over the years also by a lack of strategic planning at the national level to decentralize administration and promote conditions for reasonably uniform economic opportunities throughout the country.

There is still time to rescue the capital and turn it into a beautiful city, if only planned moves are made to make it so, also more than the plans we have to ensure that they are successfully implemented. We don't want to believe that the prime minister should intervene directly to engage in each and every single crisis, but the worsening situation of Dhaka demands so. Since almost nothing is happening to ease the life of the city dwellers, it's right now when her well-judged actions are needed the most.

Improving Dhakas liveability

Dhakas problems have been compounded over the years by a lack of strategic planning at the national level

Water logging, traffic-jam, undisciplined construction work, poor road condition, pitiable sewerage facilities to uncontrollable population boom, all have made Dhaka a perfect example of organised chaos. In fact, the 1,528-square-kilometre city has become dotted with so many predicaments that authorities concerned were forced to declare that there is practically no prospect for an improved situation anytime soon. More than just blaming monsoon rains or inclement weather, it is now time to hold the irresponsible city corporations, engineers and construction companies accountable for their unpardonable incompetence. They are there for easing the life of citizens, but instead they have seemingly become responsible for all the existing problems in Dhaka. In the face of extreme odds, it is now time for all stakeholders including the capitals inhabitants to unite under one umbrella. That said, we underscore the need for a comprehensive plan with the participation of all relevant agencies to rescue the city dwellers from this poor state of living. According to Dhaka structure plan for 2016-2035 adopted by RAJUK, about 2.6 crore people are currently living in the city. Experts have identified a number of problems that the city dwellers are facing, such as overpopulation, unplanned expansion of the city and illegal structures, encroachment of footpaths, deteriorating law and order situation, lack of civic amenities, poor traffic management, housing problem and sprawling slums, inadequate facilities for education and healthcare and environmental issues. The problems that make a long list are all manmade. The brighter side is that except seasonal inclement weather, it is very much possible to overcome almost all the hurdles. Dhakas problems have been compounded over the years also by a lack of strategic planning at the national level to decentralize administration and promote conditions for reasonably uniform economic opportunities throughout the country. There is still time to rescue the capital and turn it into a beautiful city, if only planned moves are made to make it so, also more than the plans we have to ensure that they are successfully implemented. We dont want to believe that the prime minister should intervene directly to engage in each and every single crisis, but the worsening situation of Dhaka demands so. Since almost nothing is happening to ease the life of the city dwellers, its right now when her well-judged actions are needed the most.