Unplanned urbanisation obstacle to development

Unplanned urbanisation might thwart the country's goal to become a developed one by 2041, said noted economists at a programme in the capital yesterday.

They made the observation at the launch of a book titled, "Institutions for Development: Urbanization and Land Issues in Bangladesh", a collection of papers contributed by experts on urbanisation. 

Bangladesh Economists' Forum (BEF) organised the ceremony at Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in the capital.

Dr Mustafa K Mujeri, executive director of Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development, said the consequences of urbanisation in the current pattern on a piecemeal basis, heavily centred in the capital and without any strategic vision, are already evident in the poor living condition. 

Reforming institutions and securing people's land rights are crucial in the process of urbanisation for Bangladesh to become a developed country by 2041, he added.

Dr Atiur Rahman, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, said half of the country's population will live in urban areas by 2030, leading to a further clumsy situation.

Therefore, he underscored the need for planned development onwards.

Dr Sadiq Ahmed, vice chairman of Policy Research Institute, said only 12 percent of the country's population have access to piped water and only 20 percent of Dhaka dwellers have sewer service.

PKSF Chairman and noted economist Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said recommendations of detailed area plan (DAP) of Dhaka are not implemented as expected, while population of this city is increasing consistently at 4 to 5 percent rate annually.

In absence of a much-needed coordination, different government bodies are working haphazardly, he said.

“Decentralisation of governance and services is the key to planned urbanisation in the capital,” he said.

Population onrush to Dhaka city must be tackled by ensuring basic civic services and creating employment opportunities in rural areas, he said.

Decentralisation of governance and development must be based on reforms and financial autonomy of the local government institutions, underscored Dr Sultan Hafeez Rahman, executive director of Brac Institute of Governance and Development.

Citing two instances of governance failure, he said Tk 1,825 crore is raised informally from footpath business every year, which is equal to annual budget of two city corporations, and fifty percent of land purchase in the country are not recorded.

MA Mannan, state minister for finance and planning, was present at the event as the chief guest with Dr Mohiuddin Alamgir, former director of International Fund for Agricultural Development, in the chair.