Government to Prepare Master Plans for Every City and District

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that master plans are being prepared for every city corporation and district in the country to ensure planned urbanization. He said the initiative aims to build safe, inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable cities while ensuring adequate, safe and affordable housing for citizens. The Prime Minister made the remarks in a message issued on October 4 on the occasion of World Habitat Day 2026.

The Prime Minister said rapid urbanization, population growth and rising demand for housing are creating various pressures on cities across the country. Along with the expansion of Dhaka and other cities, problems such as unplanned urbanization, traffic congestion, environmental pollution, inadequate civic services, housing shortages and climate-induced migration are also increasing. He said long-term and coordinated urban planning is necessary to address these challenges.

He said “housing for all” does not simply mean providing people with a house. It also includes access to safe water, sanitation, a clean environment and essential civic services. With this goal in mind, work is being advanced to prepare master plans for every city corporation and district.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s initiative to establish development authorities in Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur and Narayanganj to make urban development more planned and balanced. According to him, these measures will help bring greater coordination to the development plans of cities and strengthen the foundation for building safe, inclusive and climate-resilient urban areas.

The Prime Minister said the housing problems of low-income people and slum dwellers will also receive priority. He emphasized making public-private partnerships more effective in slum development, water and waste management, and environmental protection. He also highlighted the need for coordinated participation from local communities, private investors, NGOs, research institutions and international partners.

In his message on World Habitat Day, the Prime Minister said every person in the country, whether living in an urban or rural area, should have access to safe and affordable housing, essential civic facilities and a healthy and dignified living environment. He said the government’s goal is to build a humane, livable and sustainable Bangladesh through planned and balanced development.