690 Climate-Resilient Low-Cost Housing Units Launched in Four Cities

A total of 690 climate-resilient, low-cost housing units for urban poor communities were inaugurated today on 08 December in Chandpur, Kushtia, Noakhali and Gopalganj under the Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project (LIUPCP), implemented by the Local Government Division (LGD) with support from the UK Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The launch was held virtually at the Bangladesh Secretariat with simultaneous events in the four cities.

Md. Rezaul Maksud Jahedi, Secretary of LGD, attended the event as the Chief Guest. He stressed the need for safe and dignified homes for climate-vulnerable urban residents, noting that Bangladesh suffers the consequences of climate change despite its minimal contribution. "The housing we are launching today offers vulnerable families real protection, real opportunity, and real hope," he said.

Md. Samsul Islam, Joint Secretary, LGD & National Project Director of LIUPCP, said, "The project has strengthened women-led community organisations, improved urban resilience, and expanded livelihood opportunities across 19 cities. Our low-cost housing model ensures transparency, inclusion, and a fair process in selecting beneficiaries."

Highlighting UNDP's contribution, Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, noted, "Bangladesh's urban transition now requires the scaling up of proven, replicable models that combine climate-resilient infrastructure, social inclusion, and economic development. UNDP is providing technical assistance to the Government to advance a comprehensive and inclusive National Urban Policy."

He further added, "The inauguration of the low-cost housing initiative represents a key milestone, bringing to life one of the most critical components of our urban resilience programme providing safe, affordable, and climate-resilient housing as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable urban development.

Martin Dawson, Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission, said the UK has worked with Bangladesh for more than a decade to uplift urban poor communities. He reiterated the UK's commitment to promoting safe, affordable and climate-smart housing.

LIUPCP, jointly supported by the Government of Bangladesh, the UK Government, and UNDP, works to strengthen community organisations, expand livelihood opportunities, and improve urban resilience across 19 cities. The project focuses on empowering women-led community groups and delivers inclusive infrastructure and services for low-income urban residents.

Among others, Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, also spoke.

The event concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among government, development partners, and communities to expand urban housing solutions across Bangladesh.