Experts for priority of working-class in urban, rural housing plans

Experts, at the 4th International Conference on Urban and Regional Planning, have called for urban, city, and rural planning to prioritise the working-class population rather than just focusing on the wealthy people. 

These remarks came today (11 May) during a discussion on the second day of the three-day conference, titled "Spatial Planning for Urban and Rural Development: Agenda for Reform Towards Transition."

Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, chair of the Labour Reform Commission, pointed out that the needs of the working class are often overlooked, especially in industrial zones. "The needs of the working class are often overlooked in our industrial zones. Yet, any area development plan should begin by addressing the concerns of the labour force." 

The commission has recommended the establishment of a well-planned industrial zone centered around Ashulia, he added.

He further emphasised the critical issue of urban planning in Dhaka: "Dhaka is not a city designed for working-class people, yet they make up the majority of its population. This reflects a serious lack of proper urban planning. We must take proactive steps to address this crisis."

Badiul Alam Majumdar, chief of the Electoral Reform Commission, commented on the political landscape, stating that reforms aimed at fostering equality and justice are often sidelined in favor of those that serve the political interests of those in power.

"We are working to establish laws and systems that will prevent the resurgence of autocracy. Unfortunately, most politicians support only those reforms that serve their path to power, not those that foster equality and justice."

He said, "For reforms to be effective, awareness and active participation are essential—from the government, the public, and all stakeholders."

Professor Tofail Ahmed, head of the Local Government Reform Commission, highlighted the lack of political interest in proposed reforms. "When the commission's reports were finalised, political parties showed little to no interest in them. Ideally, party leaders should have engaged with academics and experts to discuss the proposed reform framework. Instead, the commission found itself going from door to door, trying to gain the attention of politicians. Unfortunately, there now appears to be a complete lack of political will or interest in pursuing reforms."

Professor M Shamsul Haque from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) emphasised the need for an integrated transportation system. "Unlike most countries, where the ministries of rail, road, water, and air transport operate in coordination, the transportation systems in Bangladesh and India follow a fragmented approach," he said. 

Professor A K Enamul Haque, director general of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), reflected on the consequences of poor urban planning, commenting, "Much of what has been built here has emerged without proper planning. Dhaka has become a city of walls — we are constructing more boundary walls than buildings."

Professor Anu Muhammad from Jahangirnagar University called attention to the detrimental effects of current political decisions. "The political parties that have held power in Bangladesh have never adopted a holistic approach. We are spending billions of dollars to destroy the environment, while other countries are investing billions to enhance it. Planning should focus on prioritising the welfare of the working class," he said.

Adil Muhammad Khan, president of BIP, said, "The reforms being carried out by the commissions in Bangladesh have come after many years. We are currently facing the challenge of development inequality. It is crucial that we move toward balanced planning and decentralisation."

Sheikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan, general secretary of BIP, said, "There is a flaw in the current functioning of the state system, which has resulted in unplanned urbanisation. We call for reforms in the country's planning to adapt to these changing times."

The conference, organised by Bangladesh Institute of Planners, which began on 10 May, will conclude on Monday.