City governance in gridlock: Tackling the challenges of rapid urbanization

Dr. Nasim Ahmed:

Urbanization has taken place at an unprecedented speed in recent decades. Urban growth has sped up, especially in cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Khulna. Rural-to-urban migration was driven by both push and pull factors: natural disasters, a lack of rural jobs, and perceived job opportunities in cities. However, this expansion was mostly unplanned, resulting in urban sprawl characterized by informal settlements, poor infrastructure, and insufficient services.

Rapid urban growth has vastly outpaced the development of city infrastructure. Essential services such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, and transportation remain severely inadequate. According to the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, only about 60% of the city has access to piped water. Similarly, waste management is inefficient, with less than 50% of waste collected and processed properly. Traffic congestion in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram results in significant economic losses and health risks due to air pollution.

A key problem in urban governance is the division of responsibilities among institutions. Multiple agencies have overlapping duties, leading to inefficiencies and accountability issues. For example, in Dhaka alone, agencies such as RAJUK, DWASA, DNCC, and DSCC are involved in city management. This institutional fragmentation hinders coordinated planning and the effective execution of urban policies.

Bangladesh has several laws and policies aimed at urban management, including the Town Improvement Act, 1953, the Building Construction Act, 1952, and the National Urban Sector Policy 2011. However, these frameworks are outdated and ineffectively enforced. Weak regulatory oversight leads to rampant land grabbing, illegal construction, and encroachment on public spaces.

Urban expansion in Bangladesh often encroaches on natural ecosystems. Wetlands, rivers, and green spaces are being filled to make room for real estate projects. For example, the Buriganga River in Dhaka is severely polluted by industrial waste and dumping. Uncontrolled urban growth also increases the risk of city flooding, as natural drainage systems are blocked or diminished.
Urban planning often responds to problems after they happen instead of preventing them. Master plans exist, but are often outdated or not put into action. For example, the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) for Dhaka has faced repeated delays and disputes due to political interference and vested interests. The absence of data-driven, inclusive planning also hinders sustainable urban growth.

The integration of technology into urban governance has been limited but shows promise. Initiatives like digital land records, Geographic Information Systems-based planning, and e-governance platforms have been tested in some cities. However, expanding these innovations requires capacity building, inter-agency coordination, and robust digital infrastructure.

Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and India offer valuable lessons in managing urbanization.

Decentralization, community-based planning, and investment in public transportation have helped create more sustainable urban systems in these countries. Bangladesh can adapt such models to meet its specific needs while considering local social and political dynamics.

To tackle urban governance challenges, Bangladesh needs to implement a thorough reform strategy. Major suggestions include:
Institutional Coordination: Establishing a centralized urban coordination council or inter-ministerial task force with clearly defined roles can ensure effective planning, budgeting, and implementation. Furthermore, mechanisms such as joint planning sessions, shared databases, and coordinated monitoring systems can foster better synergy among stakeholders.

Legal Reforms: Legal reforms should focus on harmonizing laws, closing regulatory gaps, and addressing current needs like climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive urban planning. Improved enforcement methods, such as digital monitoring tools, harsher penalties for violations, and greater judicial oversight, can strengthen the rule of law in urban management.

Participatory planning: Methods like town hall meetings, citizen charters, feedback surveys, and online platforms help ensure urban development aligns with local desires. Participatory budgeting also plays an important role in enabling communities to influence public investment decisions.
Capacity building: Continuous professional development, focused urban management training, and collaborations with academic and research institutions can strengthen a skilled urban workforce. Improving institutional memory and knowledge-sharing systems can also help maintain long-term administrative effectiveness.

Technological adoption: GIS, remote sensing, big data analytics, and Internet of Things devices can improve urban planning, traffic management, waste disposal, and emergency services. For example, real-time traffic data can help optimize signal timing, while digital platforms can make public services like complaint handling more efficient.

Environmental protection: Urban master plans should incorporate green zones, buffer areas, and floodplains, with strict enforcement to prevent illegal development. Environmental Impact Assessments are essential for all major projects, and urban greening initiatives such as green belts and biodiversity corridors should be encouraged to balance development with sustainability.

Urbanization brings both challenges and opportunities. When properly managed, it can drive economic growth, improve living standards, and foster social equity. A key change in urban policy, governance, and planning is essential. By creating inclusive, accountable, and resilient urban systems, the country can realize the full potential of urbanization for development.

(The author holds a PhD in Public Policy from Ulster University in the UK. He is currently working as Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (affiliated with the University of Dhaka). email: [email protected])