‘It’s important to conduct research for improvising the facilities in the capital. There should be public involvement in mega projects. Political will is essential to beautify the capital. Cooperation and coordination is needed between all parties concerned. Coordination is essential to realize the goal of restructuring Dhaka. Coordination is needed between Dhaka North and South City Corporations; City Corporations around Dhaka; and local government departments and service providers. A ministry is needed to coordinate this work.’
Speakers shared their thoughts about the development of the capital city at a round table meeting on “Redevelopment of Capital Dhaka: Best Use of Land and Services” organized by the Civil Engineering Department of the Institution of Engineers in the capital on Thursday, March 28.
Engineer Syed Shihabur Rahman, Secretary of Civil Engineering Department moderated the round table meeting and Honorary General Secretary of IEB, Engineer SM Manjurul Haque Manzoor delivered his welcome speech. Engineer Md. Nurul Huda, former Chairman of RAJUK and former President of IEB was present as the chief guest in the event.
IEB Vice President valiant freedom fighter Engineer Md. Nuruzzaman; Engineer Kazi Khairul Bashar, Chairman of Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education; Dr. Engineer A. F. M. Saiful Amin, Chairman of the Urban Strategy Department; Engineer Soumitra Kumar Mutsuddi; Prof. Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman; President of Bangladesh Institute of Planners Professor Dr. Adil Mohammad Khan; former President Engineer of REHAB Md. Abdul Awal; Major (Retd) Engineer Samsuddin Ahmad Chowdhury; Architect Kazi Golam Nasir, Directorate of Architecture; Md. Ashraful Islam; Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, Dr. Engineer Md. Abdullah Al Mamun; Engineer Abdul Malek Sikder; Khandaker Mahbub Alam; Syed Ishtiaq Reza; Masood Karim; Md. Shamsul Alam and related to urban development personalities spoke at the event .
The former chairman of RAJUK and the former president of IEB, Engineer Md. Nurul Huda said that cooperation and coordination is needed between all parties concerned. Coordination is essential to realize the goal of restructuring Dhaka. Coordination is needed between Dhaka North and South City Corporations, City Corporations around Dhaka, and local government departments, and service providers. A ministry is needed to coordinate this work.
IEB Chief and Honorary General Secretary Engineer S. M. Manjurul Haque Manju said, IEB’s contribution to infrastructure development of Dhaka city is undeniable. We are making necessary plans to restructure this city. Coordination and cooperation of all departments is absolutely necessary.
Dr. Engineer A. F. M. Saiful Amin said, reminding the challenges in the development of the capital, political will is needed to make Dhaka a truly beautiful city.
Professor Dr. Adil Mohammad Khan said that a different strategy should be adopted to reorganize Dhaka. Those strategies should be implemented quickly.
Chief Urban Planner Md. Ashraful Islam said, the incidents of fire remind us that it is necessary to redevelop. That is why I believe that the Capital Development Authority-RAJUK will be more proactive in formulating policies. We have formulated a draft policy. We seek people’s cooperation. There is no fear of eviction, but opportunities for resettlement.
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman said, for redevelopment and resettlement, coordination of public and private sectors is needed. And we are waiting for an acquisition act. He further said that any city collapses if the transport sector is not managed properly. Metrorail facilities should be provided for people in densely populated areas.
Major (Retd) Engineer Shamsuddin Ahmad Chowdhury said that the issue of waterlogging is being neglected in the development of the city’s infrastructure. This is a big problem. Besides, eviction does not solve any problem. Plots are being allotted to those who do not need them.
Md. Abdul Awal said, population pressure is increasing in Dhaka. There is no alternative to decentralization to reduce urban pressure. The issue is complex but we must seek it. Irregularities in plot allocation should be eliminated.
Khandkar Mahbub Alam said, Northern City is planning the local area with increased parts. There is no such thing as sewage system in Dhaka. If Dhaka Canal is not restored, this city will not survive. But now the question is who will lead this work.
Masud Karim said that the media should cooperate with correct information. The people of Dhaka are in great disarray. We are hoping to get rid of it. Civil movement is necessary for development.