Urban leaders, architects and experts from Bangladesh and abroad have called for coordinated planning and collaboration to build inclusive, environmentally sustainable cities at the second session of "Mayors' Talk" during Bangladesh ArchSummit 2026.
The session took place on 11 October, the final day of the four-day international conference organised by the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), according to the press release.
Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Sumon, MP, attended as the chief guest.
He said cities must be developed in ways that generate employment, protect the environment and accommodate growing urban populations.
The minister stressed the need to incorporate energy security, safe drinking water, sustainable sanitation and healthy environments with adequate natural light and ventilation into urban development plans.
He also congratulated IAB on holding the international conference and thanked the organisers.
Held under the theme "Co-Creating Cities for All", the session featured urban leaders and representatives from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Palestine and Bangladesh. They discussed their cities' challenges, development initiatives and future plans.
International speakers included Vraie Cally Balthazaar, mayor of Colombo Municipal Council in Sri Lanka; Majed Jamal Amin Abdulfattah, deputy mayor of Ramallah in Palestine; Pushparaj Khanal, deputy mayor of Rainas Municipality in Nepal's Lamjung district; and Engineer Deej Raj Bhatta, representing Nepal's Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City.
Their presentations covered local development priorities, urban management practices and responses to emerging challenges.
The international segment also featured architect Jeravei Hongsakul of Thailand, Professor Wu Jiang of China and architect Ammar Yaser Ahmad Khammash of Jordan.
They shared perspectives on urbanisation, architectural practice and the future of cities.
Nepal's representatives discussed damage caused by recent natural disasters and measures taken to address their consequences.
Palestinian representatives highlighted the humanitarian crisis and destruction of urban infrastructure in Gaza, alongside the situation in Ramallah.
They stressed the devastating effects of conflict on people, communities and the built environment.
Nazrul Islam Manju, administrator of Khulna City Corporation, outlined plans to develop Khulna as a tourism destination.
He also discussed initiatives and progress in addressing urban flooding, as well as plans to improve waste management.
Engineer Belayet Hossain, chairman of the Chattogram Development Authority, highlighted Chattogram's strategic importance as Bangladesh's gateway and outlined its development prospects.
He called for a firm stance against unplanned urbanisation and coordinated development to ensure sustainable growth.
Professor Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, president of IAB, highlighted architects' role in urban development and the significance of international dialogue.
He called for development initiatives to extend beyond Dhaka to cities and regions across Bangladesh.
Expressing IAB's commitment to supporting national development, he urged the harmonisation and modernisation of laws and regulations governing urbanisation.
He also stressed the importance of involving urban designers alongside architects, engineers and planners to improve the quality of development.
The discussion highlighted the need to combine international experience with Bangladesh's urban realities to build planned, inclusive and sustainable cities.
The organisers said the dialogue was expected to strengthen collaboration among urban authorities, architects, planners and policymakers, supporting more coordinated and effective approaches to future development.