'Initiatives are needed to make Dhaka inclusive'

Experts recommended developing an inclusive city for the people of all ages in a meeting held in the capital’s National Press Club on Wednesday.

The discussants suggested the elected mayors must include fair land management, accessible transport system, women-friendly streets and public space, pollution-free city and recreational facilities for everyone.

Seven organisations jointly published citizen’s manifesto ahead of the city corporation elections in Dhaka.

Urban Working Group, Bangladesh Urban Forum, Nagar Daridra Basteebashir Unnayan Sangstha, Democratic Budget Movement, Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Coalition for Urban Poor and Safety and Rights Society jointly organised the event.

Adil Mohammad Khan, secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners and general secretary of Democratic Budget Movement (DBM), Monower Mostafa, were present as special guests.

Aamanur Rahman, a director of CARE Bangladesh, presented key recommendations. Experts discussed that under the current framework, the city corporations do not necessarily have the legal or financial mandate to work in a number of areas which involve city planning, traffic management, security, utility services, waterways, and the environment; mayors must ensure coordination among different services to make city inclusive.

Women, children and persons with disability suffer the most while plying in Dhaka and there must be concrete steps from elected representatives of the city to solve the problems in transport sectors. Discussants recommended better access to public service, progressive tax management and creation of more public spaces for children and elderly people.