Dhaka, one of the heartlands of South Asia and the heart of Bangladesh, is now at a strange juncture. On one hand, the dazzling appearance of skyscrapers and mega projects, on the other hand, intense debate over the minimum standards of living. All in all, Dhaka’s current appearance is a reflection of a contradiction.
Chronic traffic congestion has become the main obstacle to life in Dhaka. Studies have shown that millions of working hours are lost every day due to traffic congestion in this city. Air pollution is also added to this. Every year, before winter arrives, Dhaka tops the list of cities with polluted air in the world. Uncontrolled construction work and black smoke from vehicles are pushing city dwellers towards long-term health risks. In addition, Dhaka’s water, air and noise pollution have taken a serious form. Infectious and non-communicable diseases are increasing due to abnormal environmental pollution.
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) 2025 report, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is ranked 171st, three places behind in the list of the world’s most livable cities in the Global Livability Index. Only war-torn Syrian capital Damascus and Libya’s Tripoli are ahead of Dhaka.
Despite all these limitations, the country’s major infrastructural development is showing a ray of hope. Travel from Diyabari in Uttara to Motijheel is now just a matter of time. This has brought a touch of modernity to the lives of city dwellers. The elevated expressway has added a new dimension to the transportation system. The Purbachal area is being developed as part of the planned urbanization to get rid of the congested environment.
The city’s insufficient parks and lack of open spaces are hindering the mental development of the young generation. Children’s childhood is now confined within four walls in a concrete jungle. However, some areas like Hatirjheel are giving city dwellers a chance to breathe a little sigh of relief. However, as the darkness of the night approaches, various types of crime become more intense.
According to urban planners, to make Dhaka livable, it is not enough to just build big buildings, but to emphasize decentralization. To reduce the pressure of people on Dhaka, it is the demand of the hour to develop the cities outside Dhaka with facilities.
Dhaka is our city of passion, a city of fulfilling dreams. But to make this city truly livable, there is no alternative to administrative rigor, planned urbanization, and citizen awareness.