Urbanization in Bangladesh

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...