Dhaka, Oct 4 (V7N) – President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today called for ensuring adequate, affordable and safe housing for all to achieve sustainable development goals, stating that quality and affordable housing is one of the key prerequisites for inclusive development.
"Ensuring quality and affordable housing for all is one of the key prerequisites for inclusive development. So, it is essential to ensure liveable, affordable, safe and environmentally sustainable housing for all to ensure the fundamental constitutional rights of citizens and achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals," he said in a message issued on the occasion of 'World Habitat Day-2026' , scheduled to be held tomorrow.
In the message, the President welcomed the government's initiative to observe World Habitat Day-2026 in Bangladesh with due dignity, like other countries across the world.
The President said, "Cities are not merely places of residence equipped with civic amenities. Across the world, cities have become centres of employment, economy, culture, education and innovation. Consequently, planned and environment-friendly urbanization is essential for sustainable development."
"Urban areas in developing countries like Bangladesh are constantly facing new challenges, including growing population pressure, traffic congestion, severe pollution and inadequate and substandard housing," he added. In this context, he said the theme of this year's observance, 'Adequate Housing for All' , is highly significant.
He noted that safe, affordable, pollution-free, adequate and dignified housing remains one of the fundamental needs of human beings. "The housing crisis in the country is becoming increasingly acute due to rapid urbanization, population growth, high land prices and the impacts of climate change. This housing crisis is even more severe for low-income people," he added.
The President reiterated the current government's firm resolve to ensuring housing for all and inclusive urban development. "I hope the government's initiatives in areas such as housing initiatives for disadvantaged people, construction of climate-resilient infrastructure, proper enforcement of safe building codes, proper land use, smart and sustainable urban management, and inclusive governance will play a significant role in expanding civic services," he said.
In this regard, he urged the collective participation of government, semi-government and private stakeholders, civil society, professionals, researchers and the younger generation. Wishing success to all programmes undertaken on the occasion of the day, the President said well-planned urbanization and responsible management could help address the challenges the country faces and realize the dream of building a liveable and humane Bangladesh
