Bureaucratic hurdles must be removed to improve Dhaka’s livability

Dhaka, the vibrant capital of Bangladesh, finds itself at a critical juncture, oscillating between progress and stagnation.

The cityscape is entangled in a web of traffic jams, drainage challenges, and a lack of synchronized urban planning.

The recent symposium on “Sustainable Urbanisation: Problems and Solutions,” organized by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) and Bangladesh Environment Network, cast a spotlight on the systemic hurdles that have ensnared the two Dhaka city corporation mayors in bureaucratic chaos.

The mayors of Dhaka are ensnared by the whims of the local government ministry, an authority endowed with the power to revoke their roles at a whim.

This authoritative grip on power stifles any genuine progress for the city and its inhabitants, reducing city leaders to mere symbolic figures.

In stark contrast, their counterparts in the United States wield authority over crucial domains such as police, water, and communications, enabling them to drive substantive changes.

Professor Rehman Sobhan’s emphasis on the depletion of Dhaka’s reservoirs, causing complications in the drainage system, underscores the city’s primary challenge.

As urbanization rates surge, Dhaka grapples with exacerbated traffic congestion due to disjointed development.

The conspicuous lack of coordination among various authorities in Dhaka is a pressing issue. Those tasked with upholding the law often appear to flout it, contributing to a breakdown in civic order.

The absence of a dedicated ministry for urban development exacerbates challenges, leaving the city’s destiny fragmented under ministries like ‘local government,’ ‘rural development,’ and ‘public works.’

It is imperative for the government to recognize the unique challenges posed by rapid urbanization and empower city leaders to enact substantial change.

The current bureaucratic entanglement not only impedes progress but also jeopardizes the quality of life for Dhaka’s residents.

The citizens of Dhaka deserve a city that evolves with the times, one that is resilient and responsive to their needs.

Liberation from bureaucratic constraints and fostering genuine collaboration among authorities are pivotal to unlocking Dhaka’s true potential.

The ball now rests in the court of policymakers to untangle the bureaucratic knot and pave the way for a more vibrant and liveable Dhaka.