Department of Urban and Regional Planning (URP) at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) observed World Town Planning Day 2025, with a day long special program centered on the theme “Anticipatory Planning for Disaster Risk Reduction.” The event highlighted the growing necessity of integrating early action, risk-informed urban design, and community-centered preparedness into city planning and anticipatory action for safe resilient cities.
The event began with a vibrant rally across the CUET campus, joined by faculty members, students, YPSA volunteers, and invited guests. This was followed by a seminar at the Central Seminar Hall, emphasizing resilient, inclusive, and technology-enabled urban development grounded in scientific planning, early action, and anticipatory approaches for safer cities. The program continued with a technical session and concluded with a cultural performance by students of the URP Department.
The event was graced bt the presence of distinguished guests, including Professor Dr. Rashidul Hasan, Dean, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, CUET; Architect Akhtar Mahmud, Former President, Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP); Ms. Anika Lough, Portfolio Manager, Save the Children International; Mr. Mostak Hossain, Director (Humanitarian), Save the Children; Architect Abu Esha Ansari, Project Director, Masterplan Project, Chattogram Development Authority (CDA); Ms. Nasim Banu, Director (Social Development), YPSA; Ms. Roksana Akter, Deputy Director (Finance), YPSA; Mr. Jabed Mianadad, Manager (Anticipatory Action), Save the Children; and Ms. Sanzida Akter, Project Manager (Anticipatory Action), YPSA. The programme was chaired by Dr. Fauzia Gulshana Rashid Lopa, Head of the URP Department.
CUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mahbubul Monir Chowdhury said that despite rapid global urbanization, effective management can turn challenges into opportunities. He emphasized that planned, eco-friendly and aesthetically mindful development—supported by smart planning, risk reduction, greening and ecological balance—is essential for creating safe, sustainable cities that meet the needs of people, vehicles and the environment.
During the session, Anika Lough of Save the Children International commended the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at CUET on the occasion of World Town Planning Day. She highlighted how such initiatives foster creativity and innovation among students and expressed her sincere appreciation to the organizers. Nasim Banu, Director of Social Development at YPSA, delivered an in-depth presentation on the initiatives undertaken by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) and its Anticipatory Action Project. Also Mostak Hossain of Save the Children, Professor Dr. Rashidul Hasan of CUET, project Manager Sanjida Akter (AA) YPSA and Dr. Fauzia Gulshana Rashid Lopa of CUET. Each speaker underscored the importance of marking this day and reaffirmed the need for sustainable and people-centered urban development.
The technical session included two key presentations. Javed Meondad, Project Manager (Anticipatory Action) at Save the Children, discussed the Child-Centred, Multi-Hazard Anticipatory Action initiative, highlighting early warning systems, impact-based forecasting, and tools such as flood alarms, voice messaging, and risk mapping. Md. Tanjilur Rahman, Senior Project Officer at RIMES, presented advanced early warning and impact-based forecasting methods for assessing flash flood risks in Feni, explaining how social, environmental, and economic data—supported by GIS mapping and data analysis—inform effective flood resilience planning.
The primary objective of the event was to encourage collaborative efforts among urban planners, researchers, academics, students and volunteers to promote resilient, modern and sustainable urban development. The event received support from the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), Save the Children, the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and Royal Cement, with media coverage provided by Channel 24, Daily Kaler Kantho and CUET News 24.