The government is preparing master plans for every city corporation and district across Bangladesh to ensure planned urbanisation and safe, affordable housing for all, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said.

He made the remarks in a message issued on Sunday (October 4) marking World Habitat Day 2026. The United Nations-designated theme for this year’s observance is “Adequate Housing for All.”

The prime minister said the theme is particularly relevant for Bangladesh amid rapid urbanisation, population growth and rising demand for housing. Ensuring safe, affordable, environmentally friendly and dignified housing for all, alongside planned, inclusive and sustainable urban development, is one of the government’s key commitments.

He said the government is implementing long-term policies by integrating housing, urban planning, civic services, environmental protection and climate resilience. Special priority is being given to housing for low-income people and balanced urban development.

“‘Housing for all’ does not mean simply ensuring a roof over one’s head; it also means ensuring access to safe water, sanitation, a clean environment and essential civic services in an integrated manner,” he said. “That is why master plans are being prepared for every city corporation and district in the country.”

He said cities across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, are expanding rapidly, creating challenges such as unplanned urbanisation, traffic congestion, pollution, inadequate civic services, housing shortages and climate-induced migration.

To address these challenges, the government’s election manifesto includes commitments to balanced regional development, planned urbanisation and affordable housing for low-income families and slum dwellers, he said.

The government has also pledged to create opportunities for slum residents to gain housing ownership and establish integrated water and waste management systems, he added.

The prime minister said development authorities are being established in Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur and Narayanganj to strengthen the institutional foundation for planned and balanced urban development.

These initiatives will contribute to building safe, inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable cities as well as achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11, he said.

Emphasising that sustainable housing and urbanisation cannot be ensured by the government alone, Tarique Rahman said coordinated participation from private investors, local communities, NGOs, social organisations, research institutions and international partners is essential.

He said public-private partnerships can play an effective role, particularly in providing housing for low-income people, improving slums, managing water and waste, and protecting the environment.

The prime minister said the government wants to build a Bangladesh where every person, regardless of living in an urban or rural area, has access to safe and affordable housing, essential civic services and a healthy, clean and dignified living environment.

He said the government’s goal is to build a humane, liveable and sustainable Bangladesh through planned and balanced development, and wished overall success for World Habitat Day 2026.