Political leaders talk decentralisation but focus only on Dhaka’s development: Experts

Although political leaders talk about decentralisation, in practice they remain focused only on development activities centred on Dhaka, urban planners and experts have said.

They added that the lack of decentralisation is causing disparities in education and healthcare. To resolve these problems, there is no alternative to ensuring balanced urbanisation and decentralised development across the country.

Speakers made these remarks today (27 September) at a "Planning Dialogue" organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) at the BIP Conference Hall, titled "Balanced Urbanisation and Decentralisation of Development in Bangladesh: Policy and Planning Proposals."

BIP President and planner Dr Adil Mohammed Khan said, "The current government, formed after the July uprising, has not taken any visible steps to implement the development agenda, which is very disappointing. Without coordinated efforts by all relevant ministries, balanced urbanisation and decentralisation of development in Bangladesh will not be possible."

He said, "Political leaders talk about decentralisation, but in reality they limit themselves to development activities focused on Dhaka. Political commitment to balanced urbanisation and decentralisation of development is now the demand of time. Expanding education, healthcare, and employment opportunities in districts will reduce the pressure on Dhaka.

"For this, district budgets are essential so that no government can create development disparities. By expanding quality education and creating favourable employment opportunities, people can be encouraged to move outside Dhaka."

Moderated by BIP General Secretary and planner Sheikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan, the dialogue featured a keynote presentation by planner Md Anisur Rahman Tuhin, Independent Consultant and Fellow Member of BIP.

In his keynote paper, Anisur Rahman Tuhin said, "Urbanisation in Bangladesh began in the 1960s, when the rate was just 5.14%. This rose to 19.8% in the 1990s and nearly 40% by 2023. To manage urbanisation properly, various approaches such as political, administrative, and financial decentralisation can be applied."

Prof Dr ATM Nurul Amin, Emeritus Professor of the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, said, "One of the key reasons for income disparity among different classes in Bangladesh is a centralised economic governance system. In every federal system, provinces have their own councils, legislatures, and chief ministers, creating a structure that allows decentralisation. This reduces political pressure and helps control urbanisation in cities."

Rauk's Chief Urban Planner Md Ashraful Islam said, "Strong political will and balanced economic development across the country are essential for implementing effective and realistic planning. Without creating region-based employment opportunities, administrative decentralisation will be difficult to achieve."

Dr Farhadur Reza, Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at Jahangirnagar University, emphasised the need to develop a 'Comprehensive Regional Disparity Index' through proper research.

Dr Fawzia Farzana, Professor of Urban and Rural Planning at Khulna University, said balanced urbanisation and decentralisation of development are possible through coordination between spatial and economic planning.

BIP General Secretary and planner SM Mehedi Ahsan said, "To ensure balanced urbanisation and decentralisation of development in Bangladesh, BIP will continue to organise such dialogues and seminars regularly."