Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan has called for giving the highest priority to the needs of poor and marginalized communities in urban planning and development activities.

He made the call as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the two-day National Urban Forum-2026 at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital on Monday (September 7).

The local government minister said urbanization should not be viewed merely as the development of large buildings, roads, water supply and sanitation systems. Ensuring a better quality of life, happiness and comfort for urban residents should be the primary goal of urban development, he said.

He said the needs of disadvantaged people must be given special consideration during the planning process. While affluent people can meet many of their own needs, effective intervention by the state and local government institutions is necessary to improve the living standards of poor and marginalized communities, he added.

The minister further said strengthening local government institutions is essential to ensure the development of marginalized communities. He also noted that urbanization is closely linked to local government and effective governance.

The forum, jointly organized by the Local Government Division, UNDP and the UK government, discussed socioeconomic development in rural areas, climate change adaptation, public health, urban development planning and effective urban services.

Officials from various government and private-sector organizations, development partners, students and experts attended the event.