Decisions based on myopic strategies will no longer cut it. It’s about time the government introduced a little foresight into its plans and policies
The PM’s directive to her subordinate authorities to formulate a new township plan by keeping in mind Bangladesh’s burgeoning population, is a step in the right direction.
This is exactly the kind of long-term thinking our nation needs.
With a population that is exceeding 16 crore — a figure that will only continue to grow — the government needs to sit down and decide how this issue must be tackled.
And this is not the only issue.
The authorities in charge of planning cities and towns must be aware of their respective boroughs both geographically and geologically. Planning, constructing, and building structures and landscapes which cater to short-term problems, without keeping in mind the bigger picture, is no longer an option.
It not only puts the lives of residents nearby in danger, as it happened with the Bashundhara City fire a few years ago when firefighters had to take water from the Sonargaon swimming pool, but also makes matters worse by creating even further congestion, pollution, and other health and safety hazards on the streets.
The PM herself has made it clear now: Decentralisation is key. No longer can the government afford to put all of its eggs in one basket. We must create cities in such a way that denizens in every part of our country can avail of the services.
However, planning all these cities individually should be strongly discouraged, as it goes against the very ethos of decentralisation. These cities must be planned in relation to one another as part of a cohesive “hubs-and-corridors” network — which means that they must be plotted in tandem with a national grid of proper, real highways.
Our country is going to face many challenges in the coming years. The authorities must plan and predict the problems that may arise. Decisions based on myopic strategies will no longer cut it. It’s about time the government introduced a little foresight into its plans and policies.
Source; Dhaka Tribune
