Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine

      Urban October 2025: IAB Organises Daylong Event, Three-Day Exhibition

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      The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) on November marked Urban October 2025 with a day-long celebration at its Multipurpose Hall, bringing together students, professionals, and policymakers to reflect on the future of urban design in Bangladesh.

       

      Timed to coincide with World Architecture Day, World Habitat Day, and World Cities Day, the event began at 10:30 am with the opening of a three-day exhibition showcasing student urban design studio projects from architecture departments across IAB-accredited universities.

       

       

      Participating institutions include Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh University (BU), BRAC University (BRACU), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), North South University (NSU), American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Khulna University (KU), Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Daffodil Institute of IT (DIT), Southeast University (SEU), Stamford University, State University, and the University of Asia Pacific (UAP).

       

      There was a roundtable discussion on “Shaping Cities: The Role and Future of the Urban Design Profession in Bangladesh” led by academicians.

       

      The exhibition offers a glimpse into the next generation’s vision for Bangladesh’s urban future, with models and visualisations of cityscapes, transport corridors, and public spaces.

       

      At 4:00 pm, the main programme commenced with a roundtable discussion titled “Interference to Planning: DAP”, led by Team Environment & Urbanisation from IAB’s 26th Executive Council.

       

      The session addressed concerns surrounding the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and its implications for sustainable development, zoning, and citizen engagement.
      The theme for this year’s World Cities Day — “People-centred Smart Cities” —guided the evening’s discussions. A documentary presentation highlighted month-long Urban October activities, including editorial seminars and conventions.

       

      Experts and stakeholders then joined a panel discussion, followed by speeches from the chairperson, the chief guest. The event concluded with a vote of thanks.

       

      Held under the banner of Urban October, the celebration reaffirms IAB’s commitment to shaping inclusive, resilient, and well-planned cities.

       

      As Bangladesh continues to urbanise rapidly, today’s gathering serves as both a showcase and a call to action — urging architects to lead with vision, integrity, and public purpose.

       

      The World Cities Day 2025 event ended with the distribution of certificates.

       

      Programme Schedule:

       

      Location: IAB Office

       

      Date: November 1, 2025

       

      Time: Exhibition: 10:30 am

       

      Main programme: 4:00 pm

       

      Written by Nibir Ayaan