By 2030, half of Bangladesh’s population will live in urban areas, with up to 2,000 people moving to the capital each day. Rapid, unplanned urbanisation has resulted in informal settlements where millions lack access to basic services such as water, housing, healthcare and education.
BRAC launched its Urban Development Programme in 2016 to address these urgent challenges through a community-led, inclusive approach. We partner with local governments to promote planned, resilient and gender-responsive urban development.
So far, 1.4 million people living in urban poverty have experienced improved wellbeing. Over 823,000 people have accessed essential services, 306,000 gained access to safe water and sanitation, and 444,000 benefited from improved waste management. We have built more than 5,700 low-cost, climate-resilient houses and supported 50,000 ready-made garment factory workers with wellbeing services. By strengthening urban planning and climate action in 15 cities, we are making cities work better for everyone, especially the most marginalised.
Urban development at a glance
1.4M
people with improved wellbeing amid urban poverty
72%
of women in urban areas have gained control over their income
5,700
low-cost, climate-resilient homes built
Making cities work for everyone in Bangladesh
Featured stories
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Living behind the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ label
Living behind the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ label
Realising the multidimensionality of the challenges that garment workers face, BRAC introduced one-stop service centres, to ensure access to a wide range of services through one platform. -
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A quest for equitable cities
Discover BRAC's quest to build urban spaces that work for everyone.
BRAC’s Urban Development programme supports building affordable and climate resilient low-cost houses, building and renovating WASH infrastructures, providing marginalised households with various occupational support, planting trees through households, supporting RMG workers, and constructing drainage systems, footpaths and roads in communities. -
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Deconstructing gender narratives brick-by-brick
Shayera Begum defied all odds to become a leader in the male-dominated field of construction in her community. It was a fifteen-year long, treacherours and, oftentimes, lonely journey to the destination. Read more to learn how Shayera banked on her resolve to overcome her circumstances.
Now, I dream of equal pay, shoulder-to-shoulder with my male mason colleagues. Though, I call it a dream but deep inside, I know it’s my right. -Shayera, BRAC participant
Now, I dream of equal pay, shoulder-to-shoulder with my male mason colleagues. Though, I call it a dream but deep inside, I know it’s my right.”
Shayera, BRAC participant
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