Dhaka facing major urban crisis: Fakhrul
Expressing concern over the deteriorating quality of life in the capital, BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday warned that pollution, failing public services, environmental degradation and unplanned urban growth are pushing Dhaka towards a serious urban crisis.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the “Dokkhiner Janala” initiative and a seminar titled “Citizen Thoughts and Necessary Actions” organised by Dhaka South City Corporation at a restaurant in Paltan on Saturday, he said the city is facing multiple interconnected challenges that require immediate structural reforms and sustainable long-term solutions.
“Dhaka no longer feels livable. There is hardly an environment where people can breathe freely. Various institutions are approaching destruction. If we fail to come out of this situation, living in the city will become even more difficult for residents,” Fakhrul said.
Highlighting concerns over environmental management and public utility services, the minister questioned the effectiveness of large-scale development projects despite massive public spending. Referring to the presence of the Managing Director of Dhaka WASA at the event, he raised concerns about water quality in the capital and the worsening condition of surrounding rivers.
“Will merely raising awareness among citizens solve the problem? Those who formulate policies, govern Dhaka and design development plans must evaluate how much ordinary citizens are actually benefiting from these projects,” he said. Fakhrul stressed that ensuring a functional and citizen-friendly city requires stronger commitment from policymakers, improved planning and greater accountability among urban authorities and elected representatives.
He pointed to air pollution, overcrowded public hospitals and the decline of public institutions as key factors affecting residents’ daily lives.
“Step outside and the air you breathe is polluted. Visit a public hospital and you can hardly enter because of the conditions there. Every institution seems to be moving towards decline,” he said.
The minister also voiced frustration over the continued pollution of the Buriganga River despite numerous development initiatives undertaken over the years.
Recalling his early days in Dhaka after arriving as a college student in 1963, Fakhrul said he once enjoyed travelling on the Buriganga by boat.
“At that time, we would often travel on the Buriganga by boat. Today it is almost impossible to go near the river because of the pollution and foul smell,” he said.
He warned that the deteriorating condition of the Buriganga may already be contributing to broader environmental and public health challenges in the capital. He also expressed concern over the declining health of the Shitalakkhya River, saying residents could face even greater difficulties if the rivers surrounding Dhaka continue to degrade.
Calling for a shift away from short-term project-based approaches, Fakhrul said urban development initiatives must prioritise sustainability and long-term impact.
“Projects should not end once construction is completed. Their long-term impact and sustainability must be ensured,” he said.
The minister further revealed that discussions at the cabinet level have highlighted concerns over the quality of water supplied in the city, noting that a significant portion remains unsuitable for consumption.
He also warned of the rapid depletion of groundwater reserves, describing it as a major future risk for the capital.
“The groundwater level has dropped alarmingly. This poses a serious threat to Dhaka in the future,” he said, adding that the situation could become particularly dangerous in the event of a major natural disaster such as an earthquake.
Fakhrul said restoring the Buriganga, Turag and other rivers surrounding the capital must become a national priority.
“So many projects are undertaken, but there is no dedicated project to make the Buriganga pollution-free. I am repeating this because I believe we must seriously discuss what can be done to restore the Buriganga, the Turag and our other rivers,” he said.
Addressing Dhaka’s rapid population growth, he noted that urbanisation has not been matched by adequate planning or infrastructure development. He criticised the condition of the city’s drainage system, saying substantial investments have failed to deliver effective water management.
“Population growth and urbanisation are natural, but development has not been properly planned. Drainage systems are either inadequate or ineffective. Thousands of crores of taka are spent on drainage projects, yet water often fails to drain properly,” he said.
The minister expressed hope that future city corporation leaders elected through upcoming local government polls would tackle these longstanding problems more effectively. He said the Local Government Ministry would prioritise efforts to improve the capital’s livability and remain open to expert recommendations.
“We want to know what measures the government can take so that citizens of Dhaka can once again breathe freely and enjoy a better quality of life,” he said.
Referring to the “Dokkhiner Janala” initiative, Fakhrul said the ultimate goal should be to transform the capital into a healthier and more liveable city.
“We must create a Dhaka where people can truly open their windows and breathe freely,” he added.
