Bangladesh
Dhaka
Brief Overview
Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust, in collaboration with various NGOs and universities, has been celebrating World Carfree Day and working on carfree cities since 2006. The Government of Bangladesh has officially celebrated World Carfree Day since 2016. The Carfree Cities Alliance Bangladesh has been working mostly with youth for the last couple of years to generate support for carfree cities, and WBB Trust works in collaboration with the Institute of Wellbeing to gain media and policymaker support for carfree cities and to promote changes to improve the situation for walking, cycling, rickshaws, and public transport.
Most Important Current Issues
Dhaka is regularly ranked as one of the least livable cities in the world, in large part due to its extreme air pollution. During the Coronavirus shutdowns, air quality improved dramatically. The question is how to preserve the advantages of a less mobile, less motorized city once the pandemic wanes.
Best Local Example to Showcase
Dhaka is a megacity in which most transport is by walking and rickshaws, yet cars dominate the city. Thus far there has been little progress, but there are a few regular carfree street events, and a growing number of individuals and groups are on board.
Ongoing Projects and Campaigns
The work of Carfree Cities Alliance Bangladesh is currently subsumed under the Bangladesh Youth Climate Network, which recommends carfree cities as a great solution to the climate crisis. BYCN and CCAB continue to organize carfree street events and to generate enthusiasm for carfree cities, mostly among students. WBB Trust continues to advocate for better transport solutions among government officials.
Successful Previous Projects
The work of Carfree Cities Alliance Bangladesh is currently subsumed under the Bangladesh Youth Climate Network, which recommends carfree cities as a great solution to the climate crisis. BYCN and CCAB continue to organize carfree street events and to generate enthusiasm for carfree cities, mostly among students. WBB Trust continues to advocate for better transport solutions among government officials.
Affiliated Organizations
Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Institute of Wellbeing
Carfree Cities Alliance Bangladesh
Bangladesh Youth Climate Network
Contact
Debra Efroymson

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