Adil Muhammad Khan, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Town Planners (BIP), has blamed the commercial mentality of some unscrupulous architects and civil engineers for disrupting the country’s overall planning.

He made these remarks at a seminar titled “Let’s plan the whole country, build an equitable and balanced Bangladesh”, organized by the BIP yesterday to celebrate its golden jubilee and World Urban Planning Day 2024 in the Planners Tower conference room in Dhaka.

BIP Secretary General Sheikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan moderated the seminar, while BIP Vice President Syed Shahriar Amin and Board Member Uswatun Mahera Khushi presented key points.

Adil Muhammad Khan said that planning is crucial for the progress of Bangladesh, not only for urban planners but also for the overall development of the nation.

He likened the role of a city planner to that of a parent, saying that just as parents ensure their children have appropriate play spaces and study areas, every city resident deserves a human environment that promotes personal growth.

He also criticized the Bangladesh Real Estate and Housing Association for not taking care of affordable housing.

He urged everyone that ordinary citizens should demand that villages and towns be safe and healthy. If people want safe cities, the country will also be planned accordingly, he added.

BIP Secretary General Sheikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan said 11 commissions are currently working to shape Bangladesh’s future governance structure to address inequality.

He said that given the current situation, urban areas should be a priority to steer development in a more equitable direction.

Sheikh Muhammad Mehedi also spoke about the challenges faced by urban planners, describing their profession as one of the most discriminated against due to its multidisciplinary nature, which is often overlooked in professional placements.

He stressed the importance of working with the government to implement the BIP land use planning framework.

BIP Vice President Syed Shahriar Amin said that despite Bangladesh’s progress, fair, transparent and accountable social structures that ensure economic freedom and balanced development are still lacking.

He said structural reform is essential in governance and planning practices to ensure a just society.

He also said that effective spatial planning can optimize the use of resources, combat inequality and ensure balanced development for all regions, thereby embodying the humanitarian principles of the planning profession.