Dhaka: An Urban Reader

Dhaka: An Urban Reader is a collection of ten essays that confront the critical challenges facing one of the world's megacities. The book argues that Dhaka's urban planning has failed to address its pressing economic, environmental, and socio-cultural problems. It critiques the tendency to treat resource availability as a purely technical issue, ignoring the political conflicts that lead to stark segregation between the rich and the poor. The contributors, all urban experts, advocate for planning decisions that are rooted in the cultural dynamics of the city and the active participation of its residents. The essays explore topics such as the historical evolution of the built environment, cultural spaces, and urban design. They also shed light on little-known, marginalized areas, offering a crucial perspective for architects, planners, and anyone concerned with the future of cities in the developing world.