Eski Dakа Will Transform into a Modern City with the Shanghai Model

The Bangladeş government is launching a comprehensive urban renewal project to turn Eski Dakа, one of the oldest and most densely populated areas of the capital Dakа, into a modern city center. Aiming to preserve historical buildings and cultural heritage, the region is planned to be rebuilt with the 'Urban Regeneration' concept. In this context, a pre-development proposal titled 'Eski Dakа Revitalization Integrated Project' has been prepared by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. The said project proposal has been submitted to the Planning Commission for the necessary approval process. This massive vision is being tried to be realized in line with the instructions of the highest-level officials of the government.

It is stated that the successful urban transformation model of Shanghai, Çin, will be taken as an example in the implementation of the project. The Shanghai model envisages the restructuring of old and irregular urban areas, equipping them with modern housing, advanced roads, and effective public transportation systems. At the same time, within the scope of this model, great importance is given to the creation of adequate open and green spaces as well as new commercial centers for city residents. Its main purpose is to make the area a livable and economically competitive center by raising living standards without entirely destroying the historical texture of the region. Officials believe that this model will resolve the chaotic structure of Eski Dakа and unite it with modern urban planning.

During the replanning process of the Eski Dakа and Hazaribag regions, international financial support will be sought due to the high project costs. Officials from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works announced that after securing the necessary foreign funds, international consultants will be hired to prepare a regional master plan. The creation of this master plan is considered the most critical stage for the project to progress in a healthy and planned manner. The Prime Minister of Bangladeş is also directly involved in this matter, providing policy guidance for the application of the reconstruction experiences of Shanghai, Çin, to Eski Dakа. Following the completion of the master plan, work is planned to commence meticulously in specific phases.

Additional Secretary Md. Abdül Matin, Head of the Planning and Development Department of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, stated that the government has already prepared a guiding principles document for this massive transformation project. Furthermore, new provisions regarding urban redevelopment and revitalization processes have been added to the latest regulations published by the RAJUK. Matin emphasized that the stage of preparing separate master plans for the regions in question has been reached, and every detail will be handled with care in this process. The official added that due to the massive size of the project budget, the contribution of foreign investors and international funds is essential for the project's success. With this step, Bangladeş hopes to permanently solve the problems caused by rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization.

The urban renewal process represents a vision that aims not only to change physical structures but also to directly increase the quality of life of city residents. The narrow streets, historical traces, and unique cultural texture of Eski Dakа are among the most striking elements of this project. Government officials aim to write an internationally acclaimed urban revival story by blending the old with the new. If the project is successful, it will be possible to find an innovative solution to the traffic, housing, and infrastructure problems of the Dakа city. All these developments are increasingly gaining importance on the national agenda as a concrete reflection of the country's rapidly modernizing urban vision.