Dhaka is the cultural, political, and financial center of Bangladesh. It is one of the largest and most densely populated cities in South Asia, with a population of approximately 17.5 million people in 2015 and growing at the rate of over 3 percent per year. Dhaka is highly prone to water-related hazards such as urban and river flooding, owing to its location, topography,
climate, and proximity to rivers. Dhaka is also among the most climate-vulnerable megacities in the world. As the city urbanizes, it is imperative that it builds on lessons of the past so that flood risks are fully integrated into urban planning and managed effectively.