The Fair Urban Charter 2024 Forum, a landmark event focused on imagining just and inclusive urban futures for Bangladesh, will take place on November 19 and 20 at the Press Institute of Bangladesh here in Dhaka.

This two-day forum invites citizens, activists, professionals, and everyone passionate about urban transformation to contribute to a collective vision of fairer, more caring, and sustainable Bangladeshi cities and towns.

Sustainable urban development essential amidst rapid urbanisation and climate change: Experts

River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC) and Just Urban jointly are organizing the event that would gather some 300 participants – 150 from Dhaka and 150 others from outside Dhaka—from different parts of the country.

The Fair Urban Charter 2024 aims to address these disparities, asserting that all citizens deserve a fair, democratic, and inclusive urban environment, said a press release.

The forum will gather diverse voices from all walks of urban life to discuss the structural reforms needed in the constitution, urban policies, and civic institutions to guarantee the right to the city for all residents of urbanizing Bangladesh. Through open dialogues and collective visioning, participants will help shape the Fair Urban Charter 2024—a roadmap of aspirations that will be submitted to the Constitutional Reform Committee, representing a powerful collective voice calling for urban justice and equity.

With over 40% of Bangladesh’s population now residing in urban areas, the nation’s urban landscape has become critical to its future. However, many cities across the country remain inaccessible and unequal, where only a few residents enjoy reliable access to essential services, housing, green spaces, and secure public areas.

 “In the past 50 years, our dominant urban development approach did not create shared cities for all. We are trying to create a new narrative about urban development where the voices of ordinary people are heard as much as the perspectives of experts and influential thinkers. We need a more embracing narrative for creating fairer Bangladeshi cities,” said RDRC chairman Mohammad Azaz.

Just Urban co-convenor Tanzil Shafique said cities are at the forefront of fighting against climate change. In the global south, climate migrants are moving to the nearest cities. “We also have to consider city planning seriously in order to achieve SDGs. For all these, we need visionary guidance for urbanization for the next 100 years,” he said.