Government Approves National Urban Policy 2025

The Government of Bangladesh has approved the National Urban Policy (NUP) 2025 at a meeting of the Cabinet Division held on 1 January 2026, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's journey toward planned, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban development.

The policy was prepared by the Local Government Division with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its flagship Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project (LIUPCP), and with financial support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom.

The National Urban Policy 2025 provides a comprehensive framework to respond to the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanisation in Bangladesh. It promotes livable, environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities by advancing decentralised urban growth, strengthening local governance, and fostering meaningful citizen participation. Key policy priorities include sustainable urban planning, improved service delivery, affordable housing, inclusive economic development, social protection for the urban poor, environmental conservation, and the strategic use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in urban management.

Aligned with the Constitution of Bangladesh and national development priorities, including long-term growth and climate resilience goals, NUP 2025 seeks to balance economic transformation with social equity and environmental sustainability. Its implementation is expected to enhance the quality of life for millions of urban residents while strengthening the institutional and service delivery capacities of city corporations and municipalities across the country.

The approval of the National Urban Policy 2025 underscores the Government's strong commitment to building well-planned, resilient, and inclusive cities-positioning urban areas as engines of equitable growth and sustainable development for present and future generations.