Future in the Megacity Dhaka

“The Future is Here”; Megacity Dhaka.

What is Megacity?

A megacity is a very large city, typically with a population of more than 10 million people. Well, this is the basic identification of a megacity but in a big thought, the term megacity refers to many elements. The Metropolitan area is also known as the urban area, mainly the base of the megacity.

When we talk about a megacity the term location, growth, employment, housing, service will come generally and terms like transportation, infrastructure, food & water, social equality, economic and politics will be discussed randomly.

Location

Dhaka is the capital and the largest city of Bangladesh. Dhaka is the economic, political, and cultural centre of Bangladesh, and is one of the major cities in South Asia, the largest city in Eastern South Asia and among the Bay of Bengal countries; and one of the largest cities among OIC countries.

As part of the Bengal plain, the city is bounded by the Buriganga River, Turag River, Dhaleshwari River and Shitalakshya River Under the Köppen climate classification, Dhaka has a tropical savanna climate. The city has a distinct monsoonal season, with an annual average temperature of 26 °C (79 °F). Approximately 87% of the average annual rainfall of 2,123 millimetres (83.6 inches) occurs between May and October.

Growth

Population growth 4th most densely populated country (people per square k.m.). The population will grow from just above 21 million people in 2020 to 30million by the time of 2030. The police of Bangladesh are more responsible than before and the country is becoming a secular country.

It is the ninth-largest and the sixth-most densely populous city in the world with, as of 2011, a population of 8.9 million residents within the city limits, and a population of over 21 million residents in the Greater Dhaka Area. Dhaka is the fastest growing mega-city in the world which is attracting about 300,000 to 400,000 poor migrants every year.

Those poor people of the city need all the basic needs and the government has to deal with those urban poor to make sure of their contribution to the city. The government, local authorities, donors and NGOs are working to solve this problem. Dhaka secular country with a multicultural identity and religion.

Employment

More than two million people now work in Dhaka at various garment factories. Industries are the engine of the Bangladeshi economy, producing 80% of its exports. Dhaka was the commercial capital of the Mughal empire in the 17th century. Dhaka was one of the wealthiest and most prosperous cities on the planet. The Venice of the east, known then as Jahangir Nagar, was a worldwide hub of the cotton and silk trade. Trunk road is one of the oldest and longest thoroughfares in Asia. The economy of Dhaka is contributing $162 billion in nominal gross state product and $235 billion in purchasing power parity terms as of 2020.

Dhaka also boasts the highest per capita GDP in South Asia. If Dhaka were thought of as a country, it would rank as the 50th largest economy in the world. The economic condition of Dhaka is now stable in the pandemic situation of COVID 19, Dhaka holds the market stabilization and economic wheel well running.

Dhaka is an export-based city wherein 2020, the combined market capitalisation of listed companies on the Dhaka bourse stood at over $46 billion. Remittance is the most impactful contribution of the whole economic system. The flow of inward remittances jumped to $21.74 billion in 2020 from $18.33 billion in the previous year, according to the finance ministry's latest statistics.

Housing

Housing is a major concern of a megacity where people need a house at a minimum cost. House prices of Dhaka and its surrounding area are well affordable. Dhaka has the cheapest area with minimum facilities and also has the expensive area with world-class facilities.

Safe water is a must for humans to live in one area. In the past, Dhaka faced some problems providing safe water supply in all the area but now WASA has successfully been able to provide safe water in the whole city. The drainage system of Dhaka needs more improvement as the drainage system of Dhaka wasn't pre-planned.

People of Dhaka face problems in the monsoon season. The city corporation is working on the drainage system. Buying property in Dhaka is more logical and beneficial. Living in Dhaka is safe as a haven. You can easily become the owner of a home.

Areas like Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi, Uttara and Baridhara are well developed. In the area like Puran Dhaka (Old Dhaka), you can feel the traditional environment. People are more attracted to Dhaka for its lower house rent rate and affordability.

If someone is interested in buying a flat they can easily buy one which is very much affordable. In recent years housing & commercial development made a revolution. Hatirjheel project is an iconic and attractive area of Dhaka which is a recreation area that made a huge impression on foreigners.

Services

The communication system is well developed as the government focuses on the communication section where more road, flyover, overpass and underpass projects are completed. More traffic police are placed in the whole Dhaka city for controlling the traffic section. Dhaka is connected with the whole country with bus, rail, waterway and airway also.

Metrorail is the upcoming big project of the megacity of Dhaka. Dhaka is also known for its educational system. Many students come from all over the world to study in Dhaka. Investment in education made a huge impact on Dhaka's reputation. There are 13 public universities and 97 private universities in Dhaka.

Security

After the attack on Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan also known as Dhaka attack, the government took some serious action against the terrorist. As a result, Dhaka is now the safest and secure city in the world. The political situation has also been under control in the last 10 years.

Why Dhaka is the future megacity?

Metro Rail Project, Elevated Expressway are the mega projects of Dhaka city which will take Dhaka city to a new dimension. Padma Multipurpose Bridge will connect Dhaka city to the western part of the country. Dhaka will regain its past glory under the rule of a democratic city government. By fulfilling the upcoming mega projects Dhaka will be the next megacity you want to stay. In a word you can say “The future is here”.