Dhaka, March 25 -- Zahidur Rahman, a businessman, was walking through Paltan in the capital when a sudden gust of wind blew dust into his nose and mouth, while vehicles around him blared their horns so loudly that even pressing his ears with both hands offered no relief.

"This city is no longer liveable. The only reason I stay here is for work. Otherwise, I would have left long ago. Everything is centralised in Dhaka, forcing citizens to crowd into the city. Even if one wishes to leave in search of a safer life, it is not a viable option," he said.

The city's public transport is often so overcrowded that passengers barely find standing room. Many are seen clinging to bus doors at great risk.

Maruful Haque, an official at a private bank...