Prime Minister pledges to ensure quality housing for low-income people

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has highlighted the government's firm commitment to ensuring safe and quality housing for low-income individuals. He also noted that the government is implementing various plans to foster planned urbanization and regional development, while simultaneously aiming to reduce excessive population pressure on cities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on Monday (October 5) at an event marking World Habitat Day 2026, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.

Tareq Rahman stated that ensuring dignified and safe housing for every citizen in a densely populated country like Bangladesh is no easy task. Nevertheless, the government remains dedicated to guaranteeing basic services and the right to housing for the people.

He mentioned that initiatives have been undertaken to formulate master plans for every district in the country as part of planned urbanization. The government's goal is not merely to focus development on a few select cities or regions; rather, it seeks to extend the benefits of development to all areas through regional growth and decentralization.

According to the Prime Minister, the concentration of populations in urban areas far exceeding their natural carrying capacity has created various pressures. Therefore, alongside ensuring safe housing, establishing planned urban management is essential.

The government plans to enhance civic amenities in rural areas while making transportation systems faster, more affordable, and safer to alleviate population pressure on cities. He noted that work on implementing these measures has already commenced.

Tareq Rahman observed that the current global situation has introduced new challenges to the housing sector. Despite this, the government continues to work towards ensuring sustainable and quality housing for all.

However, the Prime Minister remarked that it is not possible for the government alone to meet the housing needs of every citizen. He called upon the private sector to step forward more actively to help achieve this goal.

As part of planned urbanization, Tareq Rahman also emphasized the importance of block-based housing, adequate playgrounds, and the establishment of industrial zones in designated areas.

At the World Habitat Day event, the Prime Minister inaugurated a three-day housing fair. Various organizations from the housing and construction sectors, as well as agencies under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, participated in the fair. Organized by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, the theme for this year's World Habitat Day was ‘Housing for All: Sustainable Urbanization’.