1st Conference of BUF

Closing Session

The BUF conference culminated in a much welcomed Declaration of the Bangladesh Urban Forum drafted on the basis of the discussions and deliberations at the conference. It recognizes the importance of the urban sector and the urbanization process to Bangladesh’s future development. Calling for inclusive urbanization and a more proactive national strategic management of it, the Declaration is also a written commitment of the Government to refine, adopt and implement the Draft Urban Sector Policy. The Declaration, in fact, has emerged as a tangible proof of the BUF’s existence and its acceptance as a platform where stakeholders can have their voices heard.
Three “best urban practices” were also awarded at the end of the event.

The closing ceremony that followed the drafting of the declaration was attended by the Finance Minister as chief guest, and State Minister for LGRDC and State Minister for Housing and Public Works as the special guests. Among others, the UNDP Country Director also attended the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith stated that decentralisation could help resolve the housing problem, especially in urban areas. State Minister for LGRD Jahangir Kabir Nanak stressed the need for forging a social movement to stop criminal activities in the name of urbanization, and State Minister for Housing and Public Works Advocate Abdul Mannan Khan gave his assurance that the government would take the Declaration of the Forum into consideration.