Focus must be given to urban planning

Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, has called for prioritizing the needs of the poor and marginalized communities in urban planning and development activities.

He made this call while speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the two-day ‘National Urban Forum-2026’ held at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital on Monday.

The Local Government Minister stated that urbanization should not be viewed merely as the development of large buildings, roads, water supply, and sanitation systems. Ensuring the quality of life, happiness, and well-being of urban residents must be the primary objective of urban development.

He emphasized that the needs of the disadvantaged segments of society must be given special consideration during the planning process.

This is because, while the affluent can largely meet their own needs, the state and local government institutions must play an effective role in improving the living standards of the poor and marginalized communities.

The Minister further stated that strengthening local government institutions is essential to ensure the development of marginalized communities. He also noted that local government and effective governance systems are closely linked to urbanisation.

Discussions at the forum-organized jointly by the Local Government Division, UNDP, and the UK government-covered rural socio-economic development, climate change adaptation, public health, urban development planning, and effective urban service delivery.

Officials from various government and non-government agencies, development partners, students, and experts were present at the event.