In Dhaka, an average of 40,000 people live in one square kilometer of area. It is very difficult to provide the necessary public services to residents.
Dr. Akter Mahmud, former president of BIP
Controlling Dhaka’s population density is essential to make it livable as too many people work as obstacles to securing civic facilities, speakers said in a dialogue yesterday.
The City Development Journalists Forum, Bangladesh (CDJF,B) organized the dialogue on “Challenges and Way Forward in Capital Development Planning”, held at the Jatiya Press Club.
“In Dhaka, an average of 40,000 people live in one square kilometer. It is very difficult to provide the necessary public services to the inhabitants,” said Dr. Akter Mahmud, former president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), who gave keynote presentations at an event.
Addressing the dialogue as the main guest, the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, said: “If the population density is not controlled, it will not be possible to save and modernize Dhaka”.
The mayor said he has already taken initiatives to build a playground, a secondary transfer station, a kitchen market and a community center in each DSCC district.
Md Ashraful Islam, Director of the DAP Project, highlighted the need to protect all ponds in Dhaka and create more footpaths for pedestrians who account for more than 40% of the city’s daily commute.
BIP Chairman Fazle Reza Sumon said that Rajuk failing to take strict measures to control the development, many buildings are being built ignoring the regulations.
Rajuk Chairman Aminul Islam Miah said that they have already developed Purbachal and around 400 construction plans have been approved by them.
The dialogue was chaired by Amitosh Pal, President of CDJA, B and moderated by Secretary Sohel Mamun.
Among others, Shahadat Hossain, Secretary General of the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh; Nilima Akhtar, Executive Director of the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority; and Farhana Sharmin, Secretary General of the Institute of Architects, also addressed the program.