Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched a new platform titled ‘Youth for Fair City’ with the aim of nurturing responsible future citizens and strengthening civic engagement in urban governance.
The announcement was made at the DNCC Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan following a discussion meeting titled “The Role of Youth in Building a Green and Sustainable Dhaka” on Tuesday.
DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz formally declared the formation of the platform at the event, according to a press release.
Addressing the discussion, the DNCC Administrator said transforming Dhaka into a climate-resilient and equitable city requires the active participation of young people.
He noted that involving youth in the city-building process would enable their energy and skills to be effectively utilised in areas such as public health, environmental protection, and urban safety.
During the session, the Administrator listened to young participants’ perspectives on urban development and responded to various questions related to civic challenges and opportunities. He emphasised the importance of participatory urban management and inclusive decision-making.
Findings from a research survey were also presented at the event, revealing that nearly 70 percent of urban youth believe their opinions are being considered in the policymaking process.
Describing this as a positive development, the DNCC Administrator said institutional frameworks need to be further strengthened to reinforce young people’s trust and engagement.
Responding to a question from a student named Abidul Islam regarding urban development and civic suffering, the DNCC Administrator said, the country’s major challenge lies in the absence of a strong urban administration or effective city governance.
He stressed the need to make the local government system more functional and robust through fundamental policy reforms.
He further said that involving young people in decision-making processes could unlock new horizons for urban development by harnessing their innovative thinking and creativity.
The discussion meeting and related activities were organised with the support of the nonprofit organisation Brighters.
DNCC expressed hope that through the ‘Youth for Fair City’ platform, young people would play a vital role in building a just, liveable, and sustainable Dhaka in the future.
