Story of Mahafujur Rahman
My name is Mahafujur Rahman. I’m 24 years old. I am currently in the final of my bachelor’s at North-South University. I along with some of my friends stay in an apartment in the Bashundhara residential area. We have a housekeeper who cooks and cleans for us.
Read MoreStory of Mukta Begum
I'm Mukta Begum, 31 years old. Living close to Mohammadpur in the slum of Bosilla. To support my 5-year-old son and rickshaw-pulling husband, I work as a housekeeper. Even though it's difficult to make a living here, we make the most of our limited resources.
Read MoreStory of Abdul Karim
My name is Abdul Karim. I turned 50 this year. I work for a tiny company. Every day I take the bus to and from work and home. I've been following this regimen for a while now. But I was unaware of how my everyday drive was deteriorating my health over time.
Read MoreStory of Moni Aktar
My name is Moni Aktar. I live in Pathshalar Goli in Hazaribagh. I'm 21 years old, and I live with my husband and my son in a small room in a three-story building. Our room is very cramped, and we don't get much sunlight or fresh air because of the large apartment buildings surrounding us. It's always dark and musty, which makes it hard for us to breathe.
Read MoreStory of Israfil Ahmed
My name is Israfil Ahmed. I live in the Kamrangirchar slum in Dhaka. I am a rickshaw puller, and I work hard to earn a living for myself and my family. I am originally from the Kurigram district, but I came to Dhaka to find work.
Read MoreStory of Romjan Ali
My name is Romjan Ali. Age 54. I live in the Dhaka slum of Kamrangirchar. My wife, youngest daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson all live with me. He just turned 8. My older daughter is married. She lives in Tongi with her husband.
Read MoreStory of Sagir
My name is Sagir. I am 31 years old. I am a CNG driver. I have been driving for more than 12 years. I live with my wife and two kids; a son who is 5 years old and a daughter who is 8 months old. I live in Jatrabari near a CNG stand.
Read MoreStory of Omar Faruk Rakib
My name is Omar Faruk Rakib. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Dhaka and a resident of Kabi Jasimuddin Hall. Alhamdulillah! I am physically and mentally sound and do not suffer from any severe diseases.
Read MoreStory of Shahjahan
My name is Shahjahan, and I am a van puller in Dhaka, the overcrowded-capital city of Bangladesh. My life here has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with struggles and challenges, especially when it comes to my health.
Read MoreStory of Babul Miah
My name is Babul Miah and I am 25 years old. I live in Mirpur-10, Dhaka. I earn my living by working as a day laborer in the construction sector, a job that demands strenuous physical labor for meager pay. Nonetheless, I happily work for my family of three;
Read MoreStory of Tomisra
I am Noor-A-Jannat Tomisra, a graduate student pursuing my master's in Criminology at the University of Dhaka. Amidst the towering buildings and bustling streets of this city, I have embarked on a journey that has opened my eyes to the daunting health challenges
Read MoreStory of Suvas Barman
Suvas Barman, a 30-year-old migrant man from Dinapur who is working as a security guard in Dhaka City, expressed his challenges regarding seeking healthcare services from facilities. Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a hub of opportunities and challenges,
Read MoreStory of Kamarun Nahar
In my opinion, urban health is a critical concern in many parts of the world, and Bangladesh is no exception. As my country continues to experience rapid urbanization, the importance of physical activity and green space in urban areas cannot be overstated
Read MoreKey Stakeholder Message
"Aalo Clinic" has emerged as a contact point to mitigate the need of primary health care of urban communities. While NGOs and ADB provided the primary healthcare for urban areas, in comparison to primary healthcare in cities, primary healthcare in rural areas is better organized. Given this, UNICEF, with their experts, have created a model to assist in primary health care in urban areas.
The Story of Md. Razanul Hassan
"I am Md. Razanul Hassan, completed my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in public health and informatics from Jahangirnagar University. I have recently recommended as a family planning cadre in the 41st Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination".
The Story of Quazi Maksudur Rahman
My name is Quazi Maksudur Rahman. I pursued my Bachelor Degree in Public Health (BPH) and Master Degree in Public Health (MPH) as well as continuing my Master of Philosophy (MPhil) from the Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University. As a public health enthusiast, currently I am working as a Lecturer in the Department of Public Health at Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology.
The Story of Md. Mosaraf
Hossain
I am Md. Mosaraf Hossain, a public health professional with a Bachelor of Public Health (BPH) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Jahangirnagar University. Dedicated to addressing urban health disparities, I emphasize the critical role of collaborative efforts between government entities, NGOs, and local communities in implementing sustainable solutions. Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN) stands poised to play a pivotal role in advocating for and implementing initiatives aimed at improving urban health outcomes, particularly in marginalized communities like the sweeper population at Jahangirnagar University
The Story of Sabith Hasan Khan
I’m, Sabith Hasan Khan (26), a graduate of the public health discipline at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. At present, I’m working for a non-governmental organization. I’m writing here to tell my story of how I fought and won over my obesity...
The Story of Dipta Saha
I am Dipta Saha, and I graduated from Jahangirnagar University's department of public health and informatics with a B.Sc. and an MPH. I am currently employed with Eminence Associates for Social Development as a health and development officer, where I am passionate about public health.
The Story of Dr. Maliha Khan Majlish
I am Dr. Maliha Khan Majlish, currently serving as the Senior Technical and Development Officer at Eminence Associates for Social Development and as a Project Associate for the Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN). With a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), my passion lies in public health, particularly urban health. Through residing and workplace experiences in a megacity as Dhaka, Bangladesh, I am keen to discuss urban health issues within both the local and global contexts.
The Story of Md. Wahiduzzaman
As the Urban Health Officer at Eminence Associates for Social Development and a Project Assistant for the Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN), I, Md. Wahiduzzaman, am deeply committed to addressing the significant health challenges stemming from rapid urbanization in Bangladesh, particularly in megacities like Dhaka. My academic background in Public Health and Informatics from Jahangirnagar University fuels my enthusiasm for public health research, with a keen focus on urban health issues.
The Story of Sayma Sultana
I'm Sayma Sultana, a writer and the Communication Officer at Eminence Association for Social Development. I've moved to this city 2.5 month ago.
The Story of Abir Chowdhury
As cities grow, so do the challenges of keeping people healthy. Problems like overcrowded hospitals, unequal access to healthcare, pollution, and the spread of diseases affect millions of lives every day. According to the World Health Organization, 55% of the global population lives in urban areas, and by 2050, this is expected to rise to 68%. However, with the help of Information Technology (IT), we now have the tools to tackle these problems and make a real difference.
The Story of Dr. Md. Asifur Rahman
As the Health Manager at Eminence Associates for Social Development I, Dr. Md. Asifur Rahman, am deeply committed to addressing the significant health challenges stemming from rapid urbanization in Bangladesh, particularly in megacities like Dhaka.
Urbanization is one of the leading global trends of the 21st century that has a significant impact on health. Over 55% of the world’s population live in urban areas – a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050...
The Story of Muhammad Mahtabuddin
For the last few decades, South Asian cities have been growing rapidly. These cities are expanding, encroaching on nearby rural areas, water bodies, and crop fields, causing havoc to the natural ways of life.
Urbanisation has led to the destruction of natural habitats, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The transformation of green spaces into concrete jungles has also intensified the urban heat island effect, causing cities to become hotter and worsening health problems related to heat stress.
The Story of Ruma Akter
My name is Ruma Akter. I am 45 years old and live in a small rented house behind the slum area in Mohammadpur. Every day, I travel by bus to my office in Mohakhali DOHS, where I work at a private company. The journey is exhausting, but what makes it worse is the constant exposure to pollution—something I was unaware of until my health started deteriorating.
The Story of Md. Jahangir Alam
My name is Md. Jahangir Alam. I came to Dhaka with visions for my long-term future, a career, stability, opportunities. But step in this city feels like a trade-off here. I left behind not just Rajshahi University, but the institution where I received my degree, the profound peace, greeneries and pure air of my youth, too. I left behind my beloved wife, parents and family, my companion in life and the familiar rhythms of life in the rural areas. Here in Dhaka, I feel as though I’m merely surviving, not living.
The Story of Abhijeet kumar singh
As a resident and working professional in Dhaka, one of the fastest-growing cities in Bangladesh, I have witnessed firsthand how rapid urbanization is impacting public health. The swift expansion of urban areas, while offering economic opportunities, has also brought significant health challenges.
The Story of Md. Zahidur Rahman
I have been living in the slum area of Mohammadpur for more than a decade. Every day, I travel to Mohakhali DOHS for my work at a non-government organization. My daily journey exposes me to both the struggles and the hopes of urban life in Dhaka.
The Story of Md. Neamul Islam
My name is Md. Neamul Islam. Like many young professionals in Bangladesh, I moved to Dhaka with dreams to grow, to thrive, to shape a career. But unlike the capital city that never sleeps, my roots lie in Khulna, a quieter, greener, and far more breathable city where life flows at a gentler pace.
The Story of Minhajul Islam
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with a current population of approximately 5 crore people. The rapid urbanization, combined with unplanned infrastructure development, has resulted in severe traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and numerous public health challenges.
Key Stakeholders Message
Renowned economist Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), emphasized the urgent need to strengthen healthcare access and affordability in Bangladesh.
The Story of Kabir Khan
Kabir Khan, a 32-year-old caretaker of a mid-rise residential building in Dhaka, begins his day much earlier than most of the tenants he serves. His routine involves sweeping the corridors, checking the water pumps, and ensuring that the building remains functional for the families who rely on him
Key Stakeholders Message
Mr. Md. Mamunur Rashid has consistently emphasized the importance of strengthening Bangladesh’s urban health system through evidence-based, collaborative, and equitable approaches.
Key Stakeholders Message
Dr. Mohammad Zahirul Islam has consistently emphasized the importance of strategic governance, integrated planning, and inclusive partnerships in advancing Bangladesh’s urban health agenda
Key Stakeholders Message
Across multiple national dialogues, seminars, and policy discussions of Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN), Dr. Margub Aref Jahangir repeatedly underscored that Bangladesh’s rapid urbanization had created both urgent challenges and meaningful opportunities for improving equitable health outcomes...
Key Stakeholders Message
Across various BUHN engagements, Dr. Md. Khairul Islam consistently underscored the urgency of addressing emerging urban health challenges and strengthening governance structures to ensure sustainable reforms.
Key Stakeholders Message
Across multiple seminars and meetings of the Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN), Khondoker Md. Nazmul Huda Shamim consistently emphasized the importance of institutional reform, strong leadership, and accountability — alongside improved coordination with city authorities and sustainable financing
Key Stakeholders Message
Across multiple meetings with the Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN), Mr. Rui Liu, Senior Health Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), consistently emphasized the vital role of governance, sustainable financing, and evidence-informed policymaking in strengthening urban primary healthcare in Bangladesh.