‘I promise, I’ll stand by you’

Stern action should be taken against some development companies, who violate their commitment of ensuring residential facilities in the various housing projects, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam said yesterday.

“City planners along with the masses should start a social movement against the developers who are selling allotted spaces for playgrounds, parks and schools for flats  to make big profits... I promise, I’ll stand by you,” he said while speaking at a conference at Cirdap auditorium in the capital.

Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) organised the International Conference on Urban and Regional Planning-2019.

The mayor said the plans have to be inclusive and participatory, and stressed on construction of bicycle lanes. He said a 10km lane has already been constructed in the city.

“An influential political force has illegally allowed hawkers on footpaths. Such illegal occupation should be stopped if we want to make Dhaka a liveable city.” Citing the city corporations’ steps to ensure toilet facilities for children at all markets and establishments, he further said, “If any market owner confirms these facilities, I will try to give them incentives.”

While announcing the declaration of the conference, BIP general secretary Adil Mohammed said the country needs a long-term plan to achieve SDGs within 2030. 

He recommended amendment of laws for housing, institutional development, formation of a ministry on urban planning, enhancing coordination of different bodies, elimination of regional disparities, sector-based budget allocation, a multi-dimensional road plan to easing traffic jam, initiatives to develop living standards of the marginalised, increasing employment opportunities and  ensuring proper use of budgetary allocation in every sector. 

Among others, Chairman of the Centre for Urban Studies and former chairman of UGC Nazrul Islam and renowned policymaker and Brac chairperson Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman also spoke at the conference, where a total of 63 research papers were presented in two days.