Universal housing is a constitutional right: PM
Photo: PMO
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said “universal housing” incorporating habitability, affordability, eco-friendliness, and basic amenities and services is the constitutional right of citizens and the government is determined to ensure the right.
He made these remarks on Monday at a meeting organized on the occasion of World Habitat Day-2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka.
Earlier, Tarique inaugurated a three-day housing fair and various companies from the housing and construction sector alongside different offices and agencies under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works are participating in the fair. The ministry organized the event around the theme “Universal Housing, Sustainable Urbanization”.
Tarique added that World Habitat Day does not mean just a house. Directly linked with it are issues such as safe water, uninterrupted electricity supply, improved sanitation systems, public transport, upgraded roads, education, healthcare facilities, and adequate employment opportunities.
He noted, “Ensuring such sustainable housing for everyone in a densely populated country like Bangladesh is not as easy as in the developed world. Still, to survive with dignity in a competitive world, we must move forward by confronting every challenge.”
Acknowledging the extra population pressure on Dhaka and other cities across the country, Tarique said Dhaka is overpopulated. Several times more people live in urban areas than normal. Under such realities, alongside ensuring safe and affordable housing for all in cities, building eco-friendly cities is essential.
During the event, he unveiled the cover of a souvenir published on the occasion of World Habitat Day. Presided over by Housing Minister Zakaria Taher, the event was addressed by Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister Ahammad Sohel Monzoo, UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak, and Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman.
Ministers, state ministers, advisers and special assistants to the prime minister, and senior government officials from various ministries attended the event.
