Gazi Anowar :
Despite years of heavy investment in mega infrastructure projects aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving air quality, Dhaka has slipped further down the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index.
The capital of Bangladesh now ranks 171st out of 173 cities worldwide just ahead of war-ravaged Tripoli and Damascus.
According to the EIU’s Global Liveability Index 2025, released on 16 June, Dhaka scored an overall rating of just 41.7 out of 100, a steady decline from 168th in 2024 and 166th in 2023.
The annual index assesses cities based on five key metrics: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
Dhaka’s scores were particularly dismal in infrastructure (26.8), healthcare (41.7), and environment (40.5), reflecting persistent challenges with traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate public services — despite years of government efforts to reverse these trends.
Billions spent, but problems persist
In recent years, the Bangladeshi government has invested billions of dollars into massive infrastructure projects. These include the Dhaka Metro Rail, elevated expressways, multiple flyovers, and ambitious plans to modernize drainage and waste management systems.
“These projects were envisioned as a game-changer for Dhaka,” said Dr Adil
Mohammad Khan, President of Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP). “The metro rail, flyovers, and expressways were designed to reduce traffic bottlenecks and cut air pollution by discouraging private vehicle use. But without proper integration, planning, and maintenance, these projects have had limited long-term impact.”
Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Dean, Department of Environmental Science at Stamford University Bangladesh echoed similar concerns to The New Nation: “The problem isn’t the lack of investment. It’s the lack of coordinated urban planning and governance. Infrastructure can only do so much if public health, waste management, and transport regulation are not aligned with city-wide needs.”
Daily struggles for millions
For the nearly 22 million residents of greater Dhaka, life remains a daily challenge. From hour-long traffic jams to toxic air that ranks among the world’s worst, many urban dwellers find little relief in the shiny new infrastructure.
“The flyovers look impressive, but they often shift the congestion to other parts of the city rather than solving it,” said Farhana Chowdhury, a daily commuter in Uttara. “Air quality is still terrible. We can’t breathe fresh air even after so many projects promising a cleaner Dhaka.”
The EIU’s report paints a sobering picture of a city that is expanding faster than its ability to govern itself. Despite receiving a relatively decent score in education (66.7), the poor ratings in infrastructure and environmental quality dragged the overall score down.
Global contrast
While Dhaka sank in rankings, Copenhagen topped the 2025 index with an impressive overall score of 98, dethroning Vienna after three years at the top. The Danish capital scored a perfect 100 in infrastructure, education, and stability, showcasing the sharp contrast in urban governance and quality of life.
Other Western European cities, such as Zurich, Amsterdam, and Geneva, also featured in the top 10, while cities affected by ongoing conflict and economic collapse – like Tripoli (172nd) and Damascus (173rd) – joined Dhaka at the bottom.
Looking ahead
Despite the bleak ranking, experts say the future of Dhaka depends on shifting priorities from headline-grabbing mega projects to grassroots-level reforms.
“We need to invest in urban resilience, pollution control, and governance reform,” said Dr Adil. “Without improving the basics — clean water, functioning drainage, efficient transport, and equitable healthcare — no amount of concrete can make Dhaka truly livable.”
