Beyond Dhaka: Developing Secondary Cities to Ease Population Pressure

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with over 10 million residents crammed into an area of just 306 square kilometers. The rapid influx of people has led to severe traffic congestion, housing shortages, water crises, pollution, and declining living standards. If this trend continues, Dhaka will become unlivable in the coming decades.

The only sustainable solution is developing other cities to decentralize economic activities, provide alternative job opportunities, and encourage migration away from the capital. By transforming secondary cities into thriving urban centers, Bangladesh can reduce Dhaka’s burden and achieve more balanced national growth.

Why Dhaka is Overburdened?

Dhaka attracts people for several reasons:

• Economic Opportunities: Most industries, multinational corporations, and businesses are headquartered in Dhaka.

• Better Education & Healthcare: The country’s top universities, colleges, and hospitals are concentrated in the capital.

• Government and Administrative Hub: As the political center of Bangladesh, Dhaka houses all major government offices.

• Infrastructure Development: Despite congestion, Dhaka still offers better infrastructure than most other cities.

However, this centralization has led to excessive migration, urban slums, and deteriorating public services. Experts warn that unless immediate action is taken, Dhaka could collapse under its own weight.

How to Develop Other Cities as Alternatives to Dhaka

To decentralize Dhaka, Bangladesh must strategically develop secondary cities into thriving economic, educational, and industrial hubs. Here’s how it can be done:

Develop other Cities

Chattogram : A Global Commercial Hub

Chattogram (Chittagong) is already Bangladesh’s largest port city and the country’s main gateway for international trade. To make it an alternative to Dhaka, the government should:

• Expand Chattogram Port and establish a deep-sea port to boost trade.

• Develop Chattogram as a financial center, attracting foreign investments and corporate headquarters.

• Improve infrastructure, including better roads, metro rail systems, and urban planning.

• Promote the tourism industry by improving access to Cox’s Bazar and the Hill Tracts.

Sylhet: The Future IT and Education Hub

Sylhet has immense potential to become the Silicon Valley of Bangladesh. With its strong expatriate community, natural beauty, and growing economy, Sylhet could emerge as a tech and education city. Steps to achieve this include:

• Establishing IT parks and outsourcing hubs to attract global companies.

• Upgrading Sylhet University and other institutions to world-class standards.

• Developing eco-tourism and luxury resorts to boost employment.

• Building smart housing projects to encourage migration from Dhaka.

Khulna: The Industrial and Agricultural Hub

Khulna, with its proximity to Mongla Port and the Sundarbans, can become a major industrial and agribusiness center. To achieve this, the government should:

• Build special economic zones (SEZs) to attract manufacturers.

• Improve irrigation and technology in agriculture to boost productivity.

• Develop Khulna as a seafood processing hub, using its access to rivers and coastal areas.

• Expand the railway and highway networks to link Khulna with major cities.

Rajshahi: The Cultural and Knowledge City

Rajshahi is known as the education capital of Bangladesh, home to Rajshahi University, RUET, and medical colleges. It has the potential to become a research and cultural hub. Steps to achieve this include:

• Developing Rajshahi as a center for academic excellence with international collaborations.

• Promoting mango and silk industries to boost the local economy.

• Investing in green urban planning to make Rajshahi a model sustainable city.

Rangpur: The Agro-Industrial and Renewable Energy Hub

Rangpur, located in the northern part of Bangladesh, has vast agricultural potential, a growing industrial base, and an emerging renewable energy sector. It can become a self-sustaining city by focusing on:

Agriculture and Agro-Processing

• Rangpur is one of Bangladesh’s key agricultural regions, producing crops like rice, potatoes, maize, and vegetables.

• Establishing modern agro-processing industries can help farmers get better prices and create jobs.

• Encouraging export of agro-products will help diversify Bangladesh’s economy.

• The Rangpur Special Economic Zone (SEZ) should be expanded to attract textile, garment, and agro-based industries.

• Developing light engineering industries (such as automobile parts and small machinery) will generate employment.

• Improving transportation links with Bogura and Dhaka can help facilitate trade and logistics.

• Rangpur has potential for solar and wind energy projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

• The government should promote solar energy farms and encourage businesses to invest in green energy solutions.

Barishal: The Riverine Trade and Tourism Hub

Barishal, often overlooked, can become a center for trade, fisheries, and tourism due to its access to rivers and the Bay of Bengal. Key developments should include:

• Establishing river transport hubs to connect Barishal with other parts of Bangladesh.

• Expanding the agro-based economy, including rice, betel leaf, and fisheries.

• Promoting eco-tourism in Kuakata and the Sundarbans.

Government Policies Needed for Decentralization

To make these cities viable alternatives to Dhaka, strong government policies and investments are essential:

Infrastructure Development

• Build better highways, railways, and airports connecting major cities.

• Improve public transportation like metro rails and express buses in secondary cities.

Investment Incentives

• Provide tax breaks for businesses setting up headquarters outside Dhaka.

• Develop special economic zones (SEZs) in key cities to attract industries.

Digital Bangladesh Expansion

• Expand high-speed internet and IT facilities nationwide.

• Promote remote work and online businesses to reduce migration to Dhaka.

Government Decentralization

• Relocate government offices to different cities to reduce congestion in Dhaka.

• Establish regional administrative headquarters to distribute governance responsibilities.

Affordable Housing Projects

• Develop planned residential areas in alternative cities.

• Offer incentives for people to relocate by providing affordable housing and social benefits.

Public Awareness and Citizen Involvement

Decentralization won’t happen overnight. The public must be encouraged to consider alternative cities through:

• Educational campaigns promoting opportunities in secondary cities.

• Job fairs showcasing employment options outside Dhaka.

• Incentives for students to study and work in different regions.

A Balanced Future for Bangladesh

Dhaka’s current trajectory is unsustainable, but the solution lies within Bangladesh’s own borders. By developing Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, and other cities, the nation can achieve balanced economic growth, better living conditions, and long-term sustainability.

The government, businesses, and citizens must work together to create a multi-city Bangladesh, where opportunities and prosperity are not limited to Dhaka alone. If done right, this strategy will not only save Dhaka but create a stronger, more resilient Bangladesh for future generations.