Staff Correspondent:

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, has called for urgent reforms in housing development, emphasizing the need for disaster-resilient, eco-friendly, and decentralized housing for all citizens. Speaking at a session marking World Habitat Day 2025, Rizwana declared that housing should be regarded as a fundamental human right, not a luxury, said a press release.

In her speech at the “Urban Crisis Response” discussion held at the Bangladesh China International Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Rizwana highlighted that modern housing should not only be concentrated in urban areas but also extended to rural regions. Housing, she stressed, must go beyond basic shelter and ensure access to essential infrastructure, including electricity, water, gas, and transportation.

The Environment Advisor further addressed the growing threats of climate change, specifically pointing out that rising sea levels could submerge nearly one-third of Bangladesh’s land. She urged the government to take proactive steps, including ensuring affordable housing for the poor and climate-vulnerable communities, through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Rizwana also encouraged stakeholders to submit proposals for climate-resilient housing projects to the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund.

Rizwana Hasan warned of the dangers of unregulated urbanization, driven by free-market forces, which exacerbates social inequality. She noted that while the wealthy can afford multiple homes, many middle-class citizens struggle to afford even one. “Housing should be recognized not only as a state responsibility but also as a fundamental human right,” she remarked.

Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, echoed these sentiments, focusing on the challenges coastal cities face due to climate change. He noted that rising salinity and waterlogging threaten livelihoods, agriculture, and infrastructure. To address these issues, Khan emphasized the need for well-planned, livable cities that ensure efficient land use, sustainable infrastructure, and affordable housing for low-income groups.

“To create sustainable urban centers, we must integrate modern technology, mass transit solutions, and digital services into urban planning, improving both infrastructure and the quality of life,” he said.

The session was chaired by Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, and attended by various dignitaries, including UNDP Deputy Resident Coordinator Sonali Dayaratne. Other senior officials included Md. Abdul Matin, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, and Engineer Md. Riazul Islam, Chairman of RAJUK.

The event also featured the unveiling of the commemorative publication for World Habitat Day 2025, followed by a visit to the Housing Fair, which runs for three days. A colorful rally was held in the morning at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to mark the occasion, raising awareness about the pressing need for affordable and sustainable housing solutions.