RAJUK Chairman receives the awardHatirjheel recognized at Asian Townscape Awards in Hong Kong

Bangladesh's urban development success has once again shone in the international arena. The Hatirjheel Integrated Development Project of the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK) has won an award in the prestigious "Lake and Reservoir Development" category of the Asian Townscape Awards 2025. RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam accepted the award on behalf of Bangladesh.

This prestigious ceremony held at the CIC Zero Carbon Park in Hong Kong on Thursday (November 27, 2025) at 2pm of Bangladesh time

The award was presented to RAJUK Chairman by Patrick Lau Sau Shing, Chairman of the Asian Habitat Society. Architect Iqbal Habib; Director of Vhitthi Sthapatibrinda Limited (architectural firm that designed the Hatirjheel project) and Architect Md. Istiak Zahir were present at the event.

This year's 'Asian Townscape Awards' distribution ceremony is jointly organized by the UN-Habitat Asia-Pacific Office (Fukuoka), the Asian Habitat Society, the Fukuoka Asian Urban Research Center, and the Asian Townscape Design Society.

The 11 best projects from 7 countries were awarded from a total of 72 projects based on urban aesthetics, public life, environmentally friendly development, and sustainable urban systems worldwide.

There, Bangladesh's Hatirjheel project received recognition for its unique technology, innovative design, and successful implementation.

This is Dhaka's first international 'Townscape' award. Although Bangladesh has received this award three times before, this is the first time that Dhaka city has been awarded at the Asian Townscape Awards.

International recognition has once again proven that the Hatirjheel Project is a successful model for urban development, reservoir restoration, public recreation, and restoration of ecological balance.

Bangladesh's urban development honored on the world stage

After receiving the award, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam said, this prestigious achievement is not only an international recognition of RAJUK, but also of Bangladesh's urban development concept.

He added, "Through the Hatirjheel project, we have not only restored the reservoir, but have also been able to return a beautiful and functional open space to Dhaka's urban life. This achievement will make us more responsible in future development projects."

Architect Iqbal Habib said, "The design of Hatirjheel was to create a sustainable urban planning model for Dhaka. Today's international recognition proves that we were on the right track."

Hatirjheel—a project that changed the urban structure of Dhaka

Over the years, Hatirjheel has not only been a reservoir restoration project, but has also developed into a unique place for Dhaka's communication system, public service facilities, reservoir conservation, flower gardens, walkways, playgrounds, and entertainment for city dwellers.

This aesthetic project was created through the successful collaboration of local experts including architects, urban planners, and engineers in design and planning, which is now being recognized by international standards.

New inspiration for urban development in Bangladesh

Experts believe that this award on the world stage will add a new dimension to Bangladesh's future plans for sustainable urbanization.

The international recognition of the Hatirjheel project will encourage other development agencies to implement environmentally friendly, long-term, and people-friendly urban projects.