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Editorial

Dhaka dwellers’ dream of smart city

Not so much of a dream anymore


Bangladeshpost
Published : 29 Dec 2019 08:31 PM | Updated : 03 Sep 2020 05:19 PM

Digitalization has been on the agenda of the government for a long time. Along with digitalizing the country the word ‘smart city’ is also being thrown around quite a lot.

Recently, the poorly planned capital Dhaka has undergone a number of changes which has made commuting quite favorable for the city dwellers.

Human movement, utility, health, hygiene, sanitation, and businesses are a few pivotal aspects that need to be pondered upon in order to build a smart city. In that regard, the recent meeting between the government and the World Bank about making Dhaka a smart city has opened up a new horizon. With a definite monetary value in sight the government can now work towards completing this goal.


The World Bank proposed a 

project to free the city from

 indiscriminate digging, waste and dust


A report published in this daily projected that USD 80 billion is needed to turn Dhaka into a smart city. The World Bank proposed a project to free the city from indiscriminate digging, waste and dust. These are just the primary hurdles which need to be covered. Then comes the thought of digitally connected, internet-based, and sensor-swarmed smart city which are likely to turn our lives upside-down in a short while.

Today, Dhaka is a city of more than 18 million people. The Greater Dhaka city area is more than 300 square kilometers, but the city's ability to provide urban facilities to such a large number of people is not growing at the same pace. Hence, the city must adopt a technology-led transformation of services to its citizens.

The authorities concerned should keep in mind that the process to building a smart Dhaka doesn’t get planned poorly. Only with proper planning and implementation can the long dream of a smart Dhaka city become a reality which the people of Bangladesh can be proud of.