Dhaka no longer feels like a livable city: Fakhrul

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said Dhaka no longer feels like a livable city, report agencies.
He warned that rising pollution, declining public services, weakening institutions and unplanned urbanisation are making life increasingly difficult for residents, agencies reported.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the 'Dokkhiner Janala' initiative and a seminar titled 'Citizen Thoughts and Necessary Actions' organised by Dhaka South City Corporation at a restaurant in the capital's Paltan area on Saturday, Fakhrul said the city is facing a multifaceted crisis that requires urgent structural reforms and long-term planning.
"Dhaka no longer feels livable. There is hardly an environment where people can breathe freely. Various institutions are approaching destruction. If we fail to come out of this situation, living in the city will become even more difficult for residents," he said.
Referring to the presence of the Managing Director of Dhaka WASA at the event, Fakhrul expressed deep concern over the capital's water quality and the deteriorating condition of surrounding rivers.
He questioned why, despite numerous development projects involving thousands of crores of taka, there has been no effective initiative to free the Buriganga River from pollution.
"Will merely raising awareness among citizens solve the problem? Those who formulate policies, govern Dhaka and design development plans must evaluate how much ordinary citizens are actually benefiting from these projects," he said.
The minister stressed that city governance requires stronger commitment, improved planning and greater accountability from elected representatives and urban authorities.
"Dhaka is our home. But nowadays I sometimes feel I would rather return to my hometown than continue living in this city," he said.
He cited air pollution, overcrowded public hospitals and the deteriorating condition of public institutions as major concerns affecting the quality of life in the capital.
"Step outside and the air you breathe is polluted. Visit a public hospital and you can hardly enter because of the conditions there. Every institution seems to be moving towards decline," he said.
Recalling his student days, Fakhrul said he used to enjoy boat rides on the Buriganga after arriving in Dhaka as a college student in 1963.
"At that time, we would often travel on the Buriganga by boat. Today it is almost impossible to go near the river because of the pollution and foul smell," he said.
He added that the condition of the Buriganga has become so severe that it may now be contributing to many of Dhaka's environmental and public health problems.