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ASA University Review, Vol. 4 No. 2, July–December, 2010
Urbanization in Bangladesh: Present Status and Policy Implications
A.K.M. Helal uz Zaman*
Khan Md. Tariqul Alam**
Md. Jahirul Islam***
Abstract
A major change to be witnessed in Bangladesh over the next decade is the rapid spread of
urbanization. Unless this spread is effectively managed, the chaotic conditions and
accompanying ills like pollution, joblessness and exacerbation of criminal activities is likely to
choke growth. An attempt has been made to examine the current situation and trends of
urbanization in Bangladesh. Urban migration and population growth trend in Dhaka city has
been critically examined. Forces which work behind rapid urbanization in Bangladesh have
been identified. An evaluation has also been made to assess, the positive and negative impacts
of urbanization. Finally a number of recommendations have been put forward to face the
challenges of urbanization in Bangladesh.
Keywords:
Urbanization, population growth rate, trends and impact of urbanization, megacity,
forces behind urbanization, improving city governance.
Introduction
Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated country and has also faced rapid
population growth throughout the last century although the population growth rate has somewhat
decreased to a moderate level in recent times. The country is going to witness a rapid spread of
urbanization over the next decade. According to an estimate, by 2020, nearly every other man,
woman and child will live in an urban area (World Bank ed., Bangladesh 2020). Unless this
spread is effectively managed, the chaotic conditions and accompanying ills like pollution,
joblessness and exacerbation of criminal activities is likely to multiply. The growing disparity in
living standards in Dhaka between the slum dwellers on one side and well-to-do urban elites on
the other may lead to increased social and political instability. However, with a proper...