Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said universal housing is a fundamental constitutional right of citizens, pledging that the government is committed to ensuring safe, affordable, environmentally sustainable homes with essential services for all.

Addressing the World Habitat Day 2026 programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre on Monday, he said housing must mean more than a roof over one’s head. It should provide access to safe water, uninterrupted electricity, improved sanitation, public transport, roads, education, healthcare, employment and a secure environment for a dignified life.

He acknowledged that guaranteeing such housing is particularly challenging in densely populated Bangladesh, where Dhaka is already overpopulated and other major cities are experiencing mounting population pressure.

The Prime Minister said the government’s goal is to develop planned, safe, environmentally friendly and inclusive cities, while ensuring dignified housing for low- and lower-middle-income people. Planned urbanisation and housing for people with limited incomes, he said, remain among the government’s key electoral commitments.

He said master plans are being prepared for city corporations and districts, while development authorities have already been established in Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur and Narayanganj.

The government is also pursuing decentralised and balanced urban development, including nationwide spatial planning and the development of secondary townships around Dhaka, he said.

Improved connectivity between urban and rural areas, alongside better civic amenities in villages, is expected to help ease pressure on cities.

The Prime Minister also called for greater participation by private housing entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, alongside block-based housing, parks, playgrounds and designated industrial zones.

He expressed confidence that the government’s plans would ultimately make “safe housing for all” a reality, and declared the World Habitat Day 2026 programmes open.