Dhaka to observe World Cities Day

World Cities Day will be observed in Dhaka today under this year’s theme “Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All”. The global observance of World Cities Day 2026 will take place in Fuzhou, China, focusing on urban regeneration as a catalyst for achieving adequate housing for all. 

It will explore how area-based regeneration, combined with housing and informal-settlement strategies, can create more inclusive and climate-resilient neighbourhoods.

According to the concept note for the observance, this year’s World Cities Day will explore how urban regeneration can serve as a transformative pathway towards inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban development, as well as people-centred housing solutions.

As cities across the world face growing challenges related to housing affordability, ageing infrastructure, climate change, social inequality and economic transition, urban regeneration is increasingly recognised as a strategic approach for revitalising existing urban areas, improving living conditions and expanding access to adequate housing, the note said.

Bangladesh will also observe the day. The observance comes as the capital, Dhaka, ranks among the world's least liveable cities and faces a pressing need for regeneration.

Marking the day, the Institute of Planning and Development (IPD) organised a discussion titled “Development Philosophy for Our Urbanisation”. Speaking at the event, IPD Executive Director Prof Adil Mohammed Khan said cities worldwide now need affordable and inclusive housing.

He also said the declining number of playgrounds, parks and open spaces in different parts of the city is reducing opportunities for the normal social development of children and adolescents. 

“Despite living alongside one another, neighbours often fail to develop familiarity or meaningful social connections,” Adil said.

As children's lives become increasingly confined to homes, educational institutions, coaching centres and digital screens, they have fewer opportunities to develop essential social skills through sports, group activities and interaction with others. 

“These include leadership, cooperation, teamwork and conflict resolution,” he added.

Bangladesh Institute of Planners President Dr Muhammad Ariful Islam said business and vested group interests, rather than a vision for development, were driving urban development planning, causing cities to steadily lose their liveability.

“The trend was also evident in medium-sized and secondary cities such as Mymensingh. Residential areas have increasingly become places merely to sleep, whereas, according to the principles of urban planning, they were supposed to be vibrant, community-oriented neighbourhoods.”