Bangladesh has reaffirmed its strong commitment to building inclusive, affordable, climate-resilient, and sustainable cities. Housing and Public Works State Minister Ahammad Sohel Monjur made the commitment while addressing the high-level meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda at the United Nations Headquarters on Thursday.
In his statement on behalf of Bangladesh, the State Minister said that planned urbanization, affordable housing, and balanced regional development are among the key pillars of the country’s national development strategy. He noted that Bangladesh considers urbanization a vital driver for accelerating economic growth, ensuring social inclusion, and strengthening climate resilience.
Ahammad Sohel Monjur said that under the Prime Minister’s “Bangladesh First” policy, the government is prioritizing the expansion of affordable housing, strengthening local government institutions, and developing sustainable urban infrastructure. He added that these initiatives will play an important role in implementing the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Highlighting the government’s future-oriented urban development strategies, the State Minister emphasized the importance of integrated local planning, digital land management, innovative urban financing, balanced regional development, and climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
Calling for stronger international cooperation, technology transfer, capacity building, and innovative financing mechanisms, he said sustainable urban development must pave the way for a future where no person and no region is left behind.
He stressed that coordinated global efforts are essential to address the growing challenges of rapid urbanization, climate change, and inequality while ensuring cities become safer, more inclusive, and resilient for future generations.
