President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that ensuring quality and affordable housing for all is one of the key preconditions for inclusive development.

To guarantee citizens' fundamental constitutional rights and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, livable, affordable, safe, and environmentally friendly housing must be ensured for everyone.

He made these remarks in a message issued on Sunday (October 4) on the eve of "World Habitat Day-2026," observed on Monday (October 5).

Welcoming the initiative to observe World Habitat Day-2026 in Bangladesh with due dignity alongside the rest of the world, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir noted that cities are not merely places for people with civic amenities to live.

Instead, cities worldwide have become hubs of employment, economy, culture, education, and innovation, making planned and eco-friendly urbanization a prerequisite for sustainable development.

The President observed that urban areas in developing countries like Bangladesh are constantly confronting new challenges such as growing population pressure, traffic congestion, severe pollution, and inadequate, substandard housing. Given this reality, he termed this year's World Habitat Day theme—“Universal Housing, Sustainable Urbanization”—highly significant.

He further emphasized that safe, affordable, pollution-free, adequate, and dignified housing is one of the fundamental needs of humanity.

Rapid urbanization, population growth, high land prices, and climate change are steadily intensifying the housing crisis in the country, with this shortage being particularly acute for low-income populations.

Highlighting that the current government is firmly committed to inclusive urban development and ensuring housing for all, the President stated that government plans and programs—such as housing schemes for the underprivileged, climate-resilient infrastructure construction, proper enforcement of safe building codes, optimal land use, smart and sustainable urban management, and inclusive governance—will play a significant role in expanding public services.

The President added that the collective participation of public, semi-public, and private stakeholders, civil society, professionals, researchers, and the younger generation is essential in this endeavor.

He expressed hope that through well-planned urbanization and responsible management, current and future challenges in the country's urban regions can be successfully addressed, fulfilling the ultimate dream of building a livable and humane Bangladesh.

In conclusion, the President wished success for all programs undertaken in honor of World Habitat Day 2026.