Dhaka, June 3 -- During the long Eid holidays, Dhaka experienced a rare calm. The usual chaos, heavy traffic, constant honking and busy crowds disappeared as about 10 to 15 million people left the city and nearby areas to celebrate Eid at home.

Dhaka is often called the most crowded city, the traffic capital or the place where hours are lost in traffic jams. These names show what happens when so many people and ambitions gather in one place. Public services are stretched, housing costs soar and long commutes eat up hours of productivity. Air pollution and rising temperatures are now serious public health concerns. The city's infrastructure-roads, drainage, hospitals, schools and utilities-is stretched beyond its limits, leaving residents...