Photo: BSS

 
RAJSHAHI, Oct 6, 2025 (BSS) - Stressing the importance of ensuring safe habitat for all, discussants at a multi-sectoral meeting here on Monday unanimously viewed that planned urbanization can be the crucial means of safe habitation.
 
Besides, substantial and sustainable reduction of carbon emission has also become indispensable to ensure safe habitation.
 
The speakers made the observation while addressing a post-rally meeting on the occasion of observing the World Habitat Day-2025 here today. 

Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) and Commissioner Office of Rajshahi Division jointly organised the meeting at the conference hall of Divisional Commissioner office.

World Habitat Day-2025, marked today under the theme “Addressing multiple crises affecting urban areas,” calls for urgent, inclusive action to turn urban pressure into opportunity and to ensure that every person has a place to call home.
 
Divisional Commissioner Khondoker Azim Ahmed addressed the meeting as the chief guest, while RDA Chairman SM Tuhinur Alam was in the chair discussing and devising ways and means on how to attain the cherished goal.
 
Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr Muhammad Shahjahan, Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Muhammad Abu Sufian and Additional Chief Engineer of Public Works Department Om Prokash Nandi and Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Afia Akhter also spoke.   

During his keynote presentation, Prof Mostafizur Rajhman from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology highlighted the aspects of planned urbanization.

The discussants unequivocally called for promotion of renewable energies to lessen the gradually mounting pressure on using fossil fuel which is one of the main reasons behind the carbon emission.
 
They identically mentioned that cities are responsible for some 70 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions with transport, buildings, energy, and waste management accounting for the bulk of urban greenhouse gas emissions.

Khondoker Azim Ahmed highlighted the significance of the day during his keynote presentation saying cities and local governments play a front-line role in responding to crises and emergencies, as well as in planning for an inclusive, resilient and green future.
 
To prepare urban areas for future catastrophes, we need to start with cities. Thus, local action and local implementation of the sustainable development Goals is more important than ever.