Experts at a seminar on Saturday suggested for area-based investment management, use of green technology for infrastructure development, uninterrupted point-to-point connectivity in the economic zones and consistent policies for sustainable development.
They also observed that good governance, implementation of urban planning, political will, equal development of rural areas, mass transportation and sustainable infrastructure development are crucial for sustainable urbanization and decentralization.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organised the seminar titled “Decentralization of Dhaka and Sustainable Urbanization in Bangladesh” on Saturday.
Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury was present as the chief guest while Kazi Wasi Uddin, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Public Works and Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change were present as special guests.
DCCI President Barrister Md. Sameer Sattar said with the rapid economic development of the country, massive urbanization also needs to happen at a faster pace. 65% of GDP comes from the urban areas, where 35% of GDP comes from Dhaka alone. He said that in order to mitigate huge traffic congestion and pollution we have to ensure decentralization. For sustainable urbanization, decentralization will play a pivotal role, he added.
"To ease human pressure on the capital city Dhaka, building planned satellite cities and increasing expressways can be a good solution, he mentioned. Also, the large cities of the country should have better health facility, quality education and adequate banking and administrative functionalities to attract people to live in these cities as well", he added.
Saifuzzaman Chowdhury the government is implementing many development projects throughout the country equally in all places. In the next 10 to 15 years more metro rail and elevated expressway will be constructed that will ease the pressure of traffic congestion. Our GDP growth is hovering around 6%-7% and that will be sustained in the next decade, he expressed his hope.
He also said that in future people will not go to land offices personally as government is going for full automation of the process. The Land Reform Act will be passed in the parliament in October next, he expressed his hope.
Kazi Wasi Uddin, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Public Works said that government is working on detailed area plan (DAP) so that businessmen have some room for their businesses as well. He said that his ministry will consult with the NBR regarding the issue of tax deducted at source and higher tax for flat/land/property registration for reconsideration.
Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said 50% oxygen comes from the ocean whereas with the extensive uses of plastic we are polluting the health of our ocean. We have to be more careful regarding air pollution, water pollution and sound pollution. She stressed on responsive business and responsive citizenship.
Architect Iqbal Habib, Vice President, Bangladesh Environment Movement presented the keynote paper.
He said that He highlighted that in Bangladesh 33% people are living in cities and its annual growth is about 6%. If this trend continues, by the year 2051, 55% of the total population will be living only at cities. Every year about 5 lakh people are being added to the population of Dhaka.
