Cumilla, April 26 -- Speakers at a seminar on Saturday urged the government to ensure planned expansion of urban centres, warning that existing city corporations are struggling to deliver proper services due to unplanned urbanisation.

They made the call at a discussion titled "Amar Swapna, Amar Cumilla: Action Plan for Building a Modern, Livable City," held at the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) in Kotbari. The event was organised by Cumilla Bachao Mancha and Somvabonamoy Bangladesh.

Speakers said redesigning Cumilla as a modern alternative city could be a "game changer" for Bangladesh, given its strategic importance in the country's economy, transportation, and regional connectivity.

Highlighting longstanding civic cha...