Seminar on ‘Alleviation of Urban Poverty through Good Governance’ recently held at BUET

The Department of Urban and Regional Planning (URP), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bangladesh jointly organized a seminar on ‘Alleviation of Urban Poverty through Good Governance’ recently held at BUET.

Mr. Mohammad Anwarul Iqbal, Advisor for Ministries of Local Government Rural Development and Cooperatives and Labor and Employment delivered his inaugural speech as chief guest on Tuesday (5th June, 2007) at the seminar room of BUET Council Bhaban. Advisor said the government is trying to make sure that the poor get land for housing and are not evicted from the slums without any rehabilitation plan for them. He said at least 40 percent of the city dweller, which is no less than 3.5 million people, are living in the slums. The government of now encouraging the private real estate developers to provide housing facilities for the poor, he added. Adviser said eradication of corruption would be a first step towards establishing the rights on the poor on urban land, housing and economic opportunities. Prof. Nazrul Islam, Chairman of University Grants Commission, stressed the need for decentralization of power for smooth running of the government. He said the local government should be empowered right now to ensure good governance. Prof. Dr. A. M. M. Safiullah, Vice-Chancellor, BUET presided over the function. The function was addressed among others: Mr. Manoj Basnyat, Country Director, UNDP, Bangladesh. Prof. Dr. Sarwar Jahan, Dean, Faculty of Architecture and Planning and Prof. Dr. Roxana Hafiz, Head of URP Dept., BUET.

A total of 150 Participants attended the seminar from University, Research organizations, City Corporation, NGO’s & Development Associate organizations.