‘World Cities Day’ puts focus on urban housing in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s growing cities face increasing challenges over affordable housing, climate risks and urban services as the country prepares to observe World Cities Day today.

The global observance on October 31 will conclude the month-long Urban October campaign.

This year’s theme, “Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All”, places housing and urban regeneration at the centre of discussions on sustainable cities.

For Bangladesh, where rapid urbanisation is putting pressure on housing, roads, drainage and other public services, the theme highlights the need for more inclusive and climate-resilient urban development.

Dhaka, one of the country’s largest urban centres, continues to attract people from different parts of Bangladesh in search of jobs, education and other opportunities.

Many families moving from coastal and river-eroded areas face difficulties finding affordable accommodation. Some end up living in informal settlements where housing conditions and access to basic services remain major concerns.

In settlements such as Korail in Dhaka, densely packed homes with tin roofs can become extremely hot during heatwaves. Heavy monsoon rainfall also creates waterlogging in vulnerable neighbourhoods, disrupting daily activities and increasing residents’ exposure to health risks.

Climate change adds another layer to the challenges facing urban communities. Families displaced by river erosion, salinity and other climate-related pressures often move to cities, where housing and essential services are already under strain.

The global theme has renewed attention on the need to make urban housing more accessible to low-income families.

Urban regeneration involves more than constructing new buildings. It also requires improving existing neighbourhoods, providing essential services and ensuring that people can continue living close to their workplaces and sources of income.

Climate-resilient construction is another important consideration for Bangladesh’s cities. Buildings need to withstand heavy rainfall, provide adequate natural ventilation and reduce exposure to extreme heat.

Urban planners also emphasise the importance of green spaces, improved drainage and better waste management in making cities more liveable.
Youth participation in city development

Community participation is also an important part of urban development, particularly in cities such as Khulna.

The supplied article describes a youth-led campaign titled “Building a Cleaner City Together”, organised by youth networks including SERAC-Bangladesh in partnership with Khulna City Corporation.

The reported activities include cleaning drives, identifying waste management problems and advocating for pedestrian-friendly public spaces.