Experts at a programme have said the urban poor are not liability, rather their advancement will automatically gear up balanced development across the country.
They also said there is hardly any scope for the government to consider the local government bodies as weak institutions, which are incapable of handling large amount of fund.
The experts mentioned that the lion's share of taxes go to the central government, and less than 1.0 percent of the development budget is allocated for the local government.
They also suggested maintaining strict discipline in funding the local government institutions.
These observations came at a pre-budget dialogue on 'Pro Poor Urban Development' at Brac Centre Inn in the city on Monday.
The Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), the Brac and the Municipal Association of Bangladesh (MAB) jointly organised the discussion, where Planning Minister Abdul Mannan was present as the chief guest.
The planning minister said the country's overall poverty has declined, but it resulted in an increase in urban poverty. People move to the cities due to scarcity of land and various amenities in the rural areas.
"We are paying for the structural transformation, which is taking place now. I agree that discrimination is increasing, but it is normal at the primary stage of development."
From now on the project directors (of various development schemes) will get all the allocation from the first day, he added.
Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of the PPRC, said attitude towards some issues must be changed. One (among them) is that the urban poor people are not liability, rather they are one of the major pillars of urban development.
"Overall economic progress takes place due to contribution of the low-cost labourers. They have enormous contribution to urban economy too. But they are not getting basic benefits and rights like WASH and housing etc."
Mr Zillur said (ensuring) low-cost housing, WASH and public transportation are not (part of) safety net, but these are investment. If these issues of the urban poor are properly taken care of, the country's development will be balanced.
Local government expert Tofail Ahmed said the rural areas of Bangladesh are extended urban areas. Development strategy must be changed, as the future of the country is urban.
There is no division like urban poor or rural poor. Those who are paying taxes must be provided with due services.
All the lucrative tax collection authority is in the hands of the central government. The local government bodies do not get any revenue, except for holding tax, he opined.
He also suggested change in tax distribution system, a uniform structure (in this regard), and a fixed share of tax for the local government.
Hasina Mushrofa, Programme Head of the BRAC Urban Development Programme, said the growth rate of urban poor is 12 percent.
But there is lack of proper primary healthcare, sludge and waste management in the slum areas. Besides, there is no social protection for the urban poor among the total 101 protection sectors of the government.
[email protected]
