Local government minister Tazul Islam has said experts have to keep in mind the demographic size, their lifestyle pattern, per capita income and literacy rate for the next 50 to 100 years while planning a new city.
Urbanisation has taken place here without keeping in mind the long-term perspective goal, he said, adding that the government cannot regulate the influx of people to the cities by enforcing laws rather some procedures should be followed to discourage people from migration to cities for various facilities.
The minister, however, warned that the government must keep in mind not to bring modern hassles along with modern facilities while turning rural areas into urban areas.
He made the observations on Thursday while speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of a three-day training programme on urban planning, development and management at Press Institute Bangladesh in the city.
PIB organised the training programme where 30 city journalists participated. The minister handed over certificates to the journalists.
National Press Club president Saiful Alam and Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) president planner Akter Mahmud were present as the special guests with PIB director general Zafar Wazed in the chair.
In his speech, Tazul Islam also said the cities will not be strong if modern hassles come with modern facilities. A master plan has been developed to turn villages into cities. 22 ministries are working in this regard under the leadership of the LGRD minister. Recently, a meeting has been held. They have undertaken projects and more projects will be prepared soon, he added.
He also laid emphasis on the implementation of a detailed area plan as the head of the DAP review committee and expansion of the city in a planned manner, environmentally-friendly and sustainable. He also informed that the government has a plan to develop uninterrupted waterways from Gulshan via Banani, Mohakhali up to Balu River with an aim to reduce traffic pressure on Dhaka.
Journalist Saiful Alam said urban planning, development and management are not any fragmented issues. If it is not considered as a comprehensive matter, then no plan or project will be implemented properly. There should be no Dhaka-centric planning rather it should be an integrated plan by considering the rural areas. By 2050, 70 per cent of the total population will live in urban areas, he added.
"We must ensure quality housing, people-friendly transport system and proper waste management to make the city livable. Otherwise, all the plans will remain on paper only. There should be a land-use policy for the next 100 years," said Mr Saiful.
Zafar Wazed said the villages are turning into cities. But all investments will go down the drain if urbanisation is not planned. There is a shortage of greenery and playground in the cities. The waste management, sewerage system and water supply are inadequate compared to the population size.
"We need to decentralise the facilities and reduce pressure on Dhaka by creating employment opportunities in rural areas," he added.
