THE first Monday of October holds global significance as World Habitat Day, a United Nations-designated occasion to reflect on the state of our cities and the fundamental right to adequate shelter. In 2025, with the theme of ‘Urban crisis response,’ the world’s attention turns to the mounting pressures on urban centres. For Dhaka, a city synonymous with resilience and rapid growth, this theme resonates with particular urgency. As one of the most densely populated cities on Earth, Dhaka stands as a stark case study of the multifaceted crises facing urban areas today, from the influx of climate and conflict-driven displacement to the immense strain on infrastructure and resources.
The global context for this year’s World Habitat Day is a sobering one. A record 122 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, with over 60 per cent seeking refuge in cities. This mass movement, fuelled by conflict, political instability, climate change and economic hardship, is transforming urban landscapes and accelerating growth in unprecedented ways. The theme of ‘urban crisis response’ calls for a focus on sustainable, scalable and transformative solutions to this urban displacement, aiming to foster social cohesion and prosperity for all.
For Dhaka, these global challenges are amplified. The city is a magnet for internal migration, drawing people from across Bangladesh seeking economic opportunities and refuge from climate-induced disasters such as sea-level rise and river erosion. This relentless influx of people has pushed Dhaka’s population to over 20 million, creating immense pressure on housing, sanitation, transportation, and employment. The result is a sprawling megacity grappling with a host of interconnected challenges.
The city’s infrastructure, designed for a much smaller population, is struggling to keep pace. Traffic congestion is a daily nightmare, costing the city billions in lost productivity. Inadequate waste management and drainage systems contribute to pollution and waterlogging, particularly during the monsoon season. Air and water quality are among the worst in the world, posing significant health risks to residents. The informal housing sector has ballooned, with millions living in overcrowded slums lacking basic services and tenure security. These informal settlements are often located in hazardous areas, vulnerable to fires, floods and other disasters.
However, to focus solely on Dhaka’s challenges would be to miss the incredible dynamism and potential of this megacity. Dhaka is the economic engine of Bangladesh, generating a significant portion of the country’s gross domestic product. It is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, with a young and vibrant population eager to contribute to its growth. The city’s garment industry is a global powerhouse and its burgeoning tech sector holds immense promise.
The key to unlocking Dhaka’s potential lies in a paradigm shift towards a more equitable, sustainable and human-friendly urban model. This requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of the urban crisis while harnessing the city’s inherent strengths.
A crucial first step is to prioritise inclusive urban planning. The current top-down approach has often failed to account for the needs of the city’s most vulnerable residents. A more participatory model, involving communities in the planning and decision-making process, is essential. This includes regularising informal settlements, providing access to basic services and ensuring tenure security. Initiatives like community-led housing projects and slum upgrading programs can empower residents and create more resilient and inclusive neighbourhoods.
Investing in sustainable infrastructure is another critical component of the solution. This includes expanding the public transportation network to reduce reliance on private vehicles and alleviate traffic congestion. The ongoing development of the Dhaka Metro Rail is a positive step, but it needs to be complemented by a network of bus rapid transit systems and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Furthermore, nature-based solutions, such as restoring the city’s canals and wetlands, can help mitigate flooding and improve water management.
Promoting a green and circular economy is also vital. This involves investing in renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency and implementing comprehensive waste management and recycling programs. By turning waste into a resource, Dhaka can create new economic opportunities while reducing its environmental footprint. Encouraging urban agriculture and green building practices can further enhance the city’s resilience and liveability.
Furthermore, strengthening local governance is paramount. The various agencies responsible for urban development in Dhaka need to work in a more coordinated and integrated manner. Empowering city corporations with greater financial and administrative autonomy can enable them to respond more effectively to the needs of their citizens.
As we observe World Habitat Day 2025, Dhaka stands at a crossroads. The challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities. By embracing a bold and visionary approach to urban development, one that prioritises the well-being of its people and the health of its environment, Dhaka can transform itself from a symbol of urban crisis to a model of urban resilience and prosperity. The path forward requires a collective effort from all stakeholders; government, civil society, private sector and, most importantly, the citizens of Dhaka themselves. The future of this vibrant megacity, and countless others like it, depends on it.
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Manik Esahak Biswas is a social development worker.