BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

APPLYING THE SDG 11 AS A MOVE FORWARD TO THE MDG AGENDA: TO WHAT EXTENT DOES THE GOAL REFLECT ON DHAKA’S URBAN POOR IN THE ERA OF COVID-19?

Author: Razia Sultana

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2021v42n1a3

ABSTRACT

The paper critically analyzes the progress of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 in the context of informal settlements in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In the unprecedented situation emanating from Covid-19, cities in Bangladesh are facing numerous problems regarding the health and economy. The issues of density and the rapid pace of urbanization have stipulated the situation for an uncertain period. People living in slums, in particular, are far behind in achieving development goals and the situation is likely to deteriorate in the coming years due to the long-term presence of the pandemic.2 Finding out various typologies of slums in Dhaka, this paper attempts to examine the current scenario of SDG 11. By conducting semi-structured interviews with slum households in three different slums in Dhaka and expert opinions with the various stakeholders, numerous barriers to SDG application have been identified in informal settlements. Drawing on the field level observation, the paper concludes SDG 11 is not possible to attain by 2030 unless greater attention is paid to the disadvantaged group in societies such as slum dwellers. Based on the findings, the paper suggests that Bangladesh should focus more on improving the living standard of the urban poor by increasing various initiatives ranging from improving the environment to health. In order to accomplish this, a holistic approach is required for engaging local and city actors from top to bottom level.