Urban & Regional Development Policy On Bangladesh Prepared by Urban Development Directorate Ministry of Housing and Public Works 82, Segunbagicha, Dhaka-1000 Uday Sankar Das

Outline Introduction of Urban Development Directorate ( UDD) Government Policy on Urban and Regional Development Legal Framework Issues and Countermeasures on Urban & Regional Development Problems and Vision of UDD Uday Sankar Das

Introduction UDD was established on the 17th July 1965. Urban Development Directorate (UDD) is the only physical planning agency of the Government of the people’s Republic of Bangladesh. UDD was established on the 17th July 1965.

Functions of UDD To advise the government on matters of policy relating to urbanization, land use and land development and To prepare and co-ordinate regional plans, master plans and detailed layout and site plans for the existing as well as the new urban centers. To undertake socio-economic research and collection of data for determination of the location and pattern of future urban development To prepare various programs for urban development.

Functions of UDD To act as a counterpart organization and focal point in the Government for all internationally aided physical planning and human settlement programs in the country To advise the existing urban development authorities on their operations at their request. To secure approval of programs and plans and obtain necessary funds from the Govt. or any other agency approved by the Govt.

Past Activities of UDD From early 80s to early 90s the UDD prepared Land use/Master Plans of 50 district towns and 392 upazila towns/ pourashavas. National Physical Planning Project with UNDP, UNCHS assistance Urban Housing Policy and Program Development with UNDP, UNCHS assistance Technical Assistance for the Design of Urban Area Development and Environmental Improvement, with World Bank, IDA assistance

Present Activities of UDD Presently UDD involved in preparation of land use/ master plans for 24 towns in Bangladesh. Preparation of Structure plan, Master plan & Detailed Area plan for Sylhet & Barisal Divisional Towns Preparation of Structure Plan, Master plan & detailed area plan of 55 District Towns & Master plan for development of Cox’s bazar sea beach area are in the process of approval in the Planning Commission.

Government Policy Policy on Urban Development A Spatially Balanced National Urban System Development Strategy with a more or less sustained rate of urbanization and urban growth, to effect economic growth and balanced regional development. An Urban Planning and Management Strategy within a democratic framework, to reduce intra-urban inequalities and to ameliorate problems within urban areas. A Strategy for the Alleviation of Urban Poverty.

Government Policy Policy on Regional Development In the early 80’s, for balanced socio-economic and infrastructural development of the regions, the following development board were established Dhaka Divisional Development Board Rajshahi Divisional Development Board Khulna Divisional Development Board Chittagong District Development Board Sylhet, Comilla and Noakhali District Development Board Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board Off-shore Development Board Haor Development Board Barind Development Board

Legal Framework In Bangladesh the following urban and regional development related Act / Ordinance are functioning.  The Town Improvement Act (1953) The Pourashava Ordinance (1977) The environment conservation Act (2000) The Open Space, Play Ground, Park and Natural wetland Conservation Act Building Construction Rule (2006) Development Authorities Act

Issues and Countermeasures Urban Population 1981 1991 2001 Number % Urban 13535963 15.05 20872204 18.73 28605200 23.1 Rural 76376037 84.95 90582981 81.27 101424549 76.9 Total 89912000 100 111455185 130029749 Source: B.B.S, 2001

Countermeasures The following programs / projects are on going: Service delivery, Information, Education & Communication (IEC), Training, Research, Evaluation & Monitoring (REM) Involvement of NGOs Social Marketing Programme (SMP).  Women’s Program

Issues and Countermeasures Urban Housing Housing is one of the most important basic needs of life At present there is an acute shortage of affordable housing both in urban & rural areas of Bangladesh Countermeasures: Development of sites & service for low & middle income group of people at sec.-15, Mirpur, Dhaka. Yousufganj New model town (Purbachal) & DND Model town implemented by RAJUK. Involvement of the private sector with necessary incentives for its greater participation in the housing sub sector.

Issues and Countermeasures Urban Transportation An adequate & efficient transport system is a pre- requisite for both initiating and sustaining economic development. Countermeasures: The govt. has banned rickshaws and other NMT vehicles from some new roads in Dhaka city. Construction of Dhaka Eastern by pass and 3 major bridges. Construction of fly-over to ease the traffic congestion of the big cities, particularly Dhaka city.

Issues and Countermeasures Urban Governance The key ingredient in realizing the goal of sustainable urban development is good governance. Countermeasures: The following projects are on going to solve the issue: Supporting Urban Governance Reform Project (SUGRP).  Urban Governance Infrastructure Improvement Project (UGIIP)

Issues and Countermeasures Urban Land Use Planning land use planning is essential for prevention of haphazard and unplanned growth of towns & cities and improvement of existing urban situation. Countermeasures: On going project under UDD: Preparation of Structure plan, Master plan & Detailed Area plan for Sylhet & Barisal Divisional Towns.  Preparation of Structure Plan, Master plan & Detailed area plan of 55 District Towns is in the process of approval in the Planning Commission.

Problems that hinder development of Organization Problems and Vision of UDD Problems that hinder development of Organization Lack of co-ordination between different line agencies . Conflict between UDD and Pourashava ordinance regarding preparation of land use/master plans. Out-dated method / technology. Legal framework.

Vision of UDD Vision of UDD is to augment the quality of life of the people by improving the environment through planned development activities for adequate infrastructure, services and utility provisions, tamale optimum utilization of resources especially land and to ensure a geographically balance urbanization.

Thank You Very Much…….