## Dhaka's Unplanned Growth and Population Surge
Dhaka, now the world's second-largest city, experiences rapid, unplanned urbanization driven by population growth and rural-to-urban migration. Each year, approximately 500,000 people move to Dhaka, straining housing, transport, and waste management systems. The lack of coordinated urban planning has resulted in chaotic expansion, overlapping residential, commercial, and industrial zones, and widespread informal settlements without secure tenure or basic services. This unregulated growth has transformed the city's outskirts dramatically, with built-up areas expanding by 234 km² from 1991 to 2019, much faster than the inner city’s growth of about 116 km² during the same period.
## Environmental and Health Challenges
The city's rapid and uneven expansion has severely impacted the environment and public health. Dhaka’s unplanned development encroaches on farmland, forests, wetlands, and water bodies, increasing vulnerability to flooding and worsening air and water pollution. These environmental changes contribute to numerous health risks for residents, exacerbated by poor waste management and traffic congestion. The loss of wetlands and urban green spaces, combined with rising land surface temperatures, adds to the city's ecological stress.
## Governance and Planning Failures
Experts emphasize that Dhaka’s growth has outpaced effective governance and infrastructure development. While various urban plans exist, weak implementation and conflicting interests have undermined their success. Without immediate and sustainable government intervention, the city faces the risk of becoming increasingly unlivable. Urban planners advocate for integrated, sustainable development led by the government rather than leaving growth to chaotic market forces.
## Economic and Social Dynamics
Dhaka’s rapid growth is fueled by economic migration tied to its role as Bangladesh’s economic, educational, and healthcare hub. The city’s garment industry and service sectors attract millions seeking jobs and better livelihoods. Despite economic opportunities, the city's infrastructure cannot support the swelling population, leading to significant socio-spatial divisions and high-density living conditions that stress urban services and degrade quality of life.
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Dhaka’s relentless, unplanned expansion exemplifies the urgent need for holistic urban planning combining environmental, social, and governance reforms to ensure a sustainable future for its growing population.
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The Business Standard — 2025-11-28