Specific plans should be taken to make Dhaka livable: Rizwana

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today (7 October) said specific action plans are needed to make Dhaka livable.

"It is urgent to have a city vision for Dhaka. Apart from implementing mega projects, green spaces should be increased. There should be open space, seating places and sports opportunities for the youth," she said.

Rizwana was addressing a discussion organised at Rajuk Auditorium in Dhaka on the occasion of World Habitat Day 2024.

She said Dhaka should be made livable for all, and youth need to be involved in building a developed and environmentally friendly city.

The adviser said that the youth should be involved in Rajuk's activities because their creativity can make cities livable.

She said the development plan should ensure the rights of slum dwellers and victims of riverbank erosion.

Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and the Ministry of Industry, spoke at the meeting as the chief guest, which was chaired by Housing and Public Works Ministry Secretary Md. Hamidur Rahman Khan.

During the event, Adilur said, "We will involve the youth in building a developed city. Thousands of youth are standing to change the country, we just need to make them a part of the change."

"My view is that the quota system in plot allotment in Dhaka city has to be abolished. Plots should be allotted based on lotteries, not quotas," Adilur added.

Stating that there is not enough space in Dhaka city to breath freely, Adilur also said that it is a challenge to change the city.

"But it can be done by opening the doors for the youth to engage in change," Adilur said.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Gwen Lewis and Additional Secretary Shakila Zerin Ahmed, and Joint Secretary Naila Ahmed also spoke.

At the meeting, the guests unveiled the covers of two publications on the occasion of World Habitat Day.