The Chief Advisor of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has said that the current interim administration is committed to ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly development in the country’s urban areas. He stated that the government is formulating and implementing various plans for the development of all urban centers, including Dhaka.
He made these remarks in a statement issued on Sunday, October 5, on the occasion of World Habitat Day 2025, which is being observed in Bangladesh on Monday, October 6.
Dr. Yunus expressed his delight that, like every year, World Habitat Day 2025 is being celebrated in Bangladesh with due dignity, enthusiasm, and widespread participation. He noted that this year’s UN-declared theme — “Resilient Urban Economies: Cities as Drivers of Growth and Recovery” — is highly relevant and meaningful in the current global context.
He remarked that Bangladesh is one of the fastest urbanizing countries in South Asia. However, due to a lack of proper planning, the benefits of urbanization are not being fully realized in citizens’ lives. On one hand, unplanned and unbalanced development centered around the capital is taking place, while on the other hand, development of other urban areas is being hindered. This capital-centric approach is increasingly creating challenges for urban life. Dr. Yunus emphasized that swift, transparent, inclusive, and coordinated action is urgently needed to address these issues — which aligns directly with the theme of this year’s World Habitat Day.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts, Dr. Yunus stated that various measures are being implemented swiftly and transparently to resolve urban crises. He added that the country is moving toward building a promising new Bangladesh through the uprising of students, workers, and the general public. As a continuation of this journey, he believes that sustainable and environmentally conscious solutions to urban challenges, along with balanced development across all urban regions, will soon be achieved.
Dr. Yunus also stressed the importance of collective efforts, saying that alongside government initiatives, private investors, community groups, NGOs, and international partners must also play an integrated role in tackling urban challenges.
“I firmly believe that through conscious and joint participation, our national development goals will align more closely with the real-life needs and realities of urban life,” said the Chief Advisor.
He concluded by wishing success for all activities undertaken in observance of World Habitat Day 2025.
