DHAKA, Dec 8, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 690 climate-resilient, low-cost housing units for urban poor communities were inaugurated today in Chandpur, Kushtia, Noakhali and Gopalganj under the Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project (LIUPCP). 

The initiative is being implemented by the Local Government Division (LGD) with support from the UK Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The inauguration was held virtually from the Bangladesh Secretariat, with simultaneous launch events in the four project cities, according to a UNDP press release.

Md. Rezaul Maksud Jahedi, Secretary of LGD and chief guest at the event, stressed the necessity of safe and dignified housing for climate-vulnerable urban populations. 

He noted that Bangladesh continues to face severe climate impacts despite contributing very little to global emissions. 

"The housing we are launching today offers vulnerable families real protection, real opportunity and real hope," he said.
Md. Samsul Islam, Joint Secretary of LGD and National Project Director of LIUPCP, highlighted the project's role in strengthening women-led community organisations, enhancing urban resilience and expanding livelihood opportunities across 19 cities. 

He added that the project's low-cost housing model ensures transparency, inclusion and fairness in beneficiary selection.

UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller underscored the need for scaling up proven and replicable models that integrate climate-resilient infrastructure, social inclusion and economic development. 

He reaffirmed UNDP's technical support to the Government of Bangladesh in developing a comprehensive and inclusive National Urban Policy. 

"This low-cost housing initiative marks a major milestone, providing safe, affordable and climate-resilient homes and laying the foundation for inclusive and sustainable urban development," he said.

Martin Dawson, Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission, said the UK has partnered with Bangladesh for over a decade to support the upliftment of urban poor communities. He reiterated the UK's commitment to advancing safe, affordable, and climate-smart housing.

LIUPCP, supported jointly by the Government of Bangladesh, the UK Government and UNDP, aims to strengthen community organisations, expand livelihood opportunities and build urban resilience across 19 cities, with a special focus on empowering women-led community groups and delivering inclusive infrastructure and services to low-income urban households.

UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Anowarul Haq also spoke at the event.

The programme concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between government agencies, development partners and communities to expand urban housing solutions nationwide.