Access to civic amenities, including health services should not be Dhaka-centric: Urban planners

Experts and urban planners have criticised the disproportionate development concentrated in Dhaka for various civic amenities, including health services, advocating for a more balanced approach that serves citizens across all regions.

Addressing at a human chain under the banner of "Student Society for Planned Bangladesh" at the Central Shaheed Minar on Thursday, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners Prof Adil Muhammad Khan questioned why individuals from distant regions, such as Rangpur, should consider traveling to Dhaka for healthcare services. 

"Dhaka centricity of all civic facilities, including health facilities, must be avoided," he said.

He said to ensure balanced development, effective initiatives should be taken to formulate and implement strategic plans, master plans and detailed plans for cities, villages and specialised areas.

Adil further said steps should be taken to ensure that children in the urban areas have access to playgrounds, and schools are established at a walking distance.

Prof Musleh Uddin Hasan, former head of Urban and Regional Planning Department of Buet, said it is crucial to ensure that the development of infrastructure, the construction of residential buildings, and the provision of civic amenities adhere to the guidelines set forth in the planning documents.

Former chief engineer of Dhaka South City Corporation Md Nurullah underscored the need to establish a planning commission to assess the infrastructure and projects of the past.

Director of WBB Trust (Work for a Better Bangladesh) Gaus Piary said if the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) of Dhaka is canceled due to the pressure of vested quarters, the city will become more unplanned and unlivable.

Environmentalist Ibnul Sayeed Rana called for preservation of parks and lakes in the capital to improve its environment.

Former engineer of Housing and Building Research Institute Abu Sadek said recommendations from planners are vital to make the capital livable. 

Sajid Iqbal, a leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said necessary legal action should be taken against the housing traders, industrial factory owners, politicians, bureaucrats, beneficiary professionals, development authorities and other corrupt officials and employees of various government agencies who are responsible for obstructing various plans and laws.

The event was moderated by Miraj Biswas, on behalf of the organiser "Student Society for Planned Bangladesh".