The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has raised serious concerns over the mounting pressure on the capital due to rapid and unplanned urbanisation, urging immediate decentralisation to protect Dhaka’s livability and ensure sustainable development.
“An average of 1,700 to 1,800 people migrate to Dhaka every day. This influx is worsening traffic congestion, housing shortages, waterlogging, pollution, and strain on infrastructure,” said DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed at a seminar on “Decentralisation and Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development of Dhaka” held at the DCCI auditorium on Saturday.
Despite huge investments in flyovers, expressways, and metro rail projects, Dhaka still incurs an annual economic loss of around $6.5 billion from traffic congestion, he noted. Ahmed added that international rankings repeatedly place Dhaka among the world’s most polluted and least livable cities, citing uncontrolled centralisation, declining green spaces, poor waste management, and unplanned urban expansion as key factors.
“The only sustainable solution is decentralisation. Administrative and commercial activities must be shifted to secondary cities. We need multimodal transport, green infrastructure, smart planning, and strong digital connectivity to ease Dhaka’s burden,” the DCCI president stressed.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who attended as Chief Guest, echoed similar concerns, calling for comprehensive systemic change to safeguard Dhaka’s environment.
“It is not only individuals who need to change; the overall system of the country must transform. We must all be prepared for change and move forward towards it,” she said.
The Adviser announced a special drive against industrial pollution, initiatives to tackle river contamination, and stricter anti-polythene measures. She also revealed that Savar has been declared a “Degraded Airshed” due to severe air pollution.
Rizwana Hasan further stressed the importance of environment-friendly building designs, green open spaces, and rural sustainability models, adding: “Government initiatives alone are not sufficient; active public participation is essential.”
The event also featured RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam as Special Guest, alongside urban experts, policymakers, and planners. Speakers unanimously agreed that without urgent, coordinated measures, Dhaka’s current trajectory threatens both sustainable development and environmental balance.