Dhaka has emerged as the second most populous city in the world, according to a new assessment released by the United Nations. The capital now hosts an estimated 36.6 million residents, placing it just behind Jakarta, which tops the list with around 41.9 million people.

The findings come from the UN’s World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report, which shows Dhaka climbing rapidly in the global rankings. Once positioned ninth, the city has made a dramatic leap to second place within a few years—driven by some of the fastest rates of urbanisation in the world.

The report warns that if current trends continue, Dhaka could surpass Jakarta by mid-century, becoming the world’s most populous urban centre by 2050.
Drivers of rapid growth
Urban experts attribute Dhaka’s expansion to three major factors:
Rural-to-urban migration, as millions move to the capital seeking work,

Climate change–induced displacement, pushing vulnerable communities from flood-prone regions,

Spatial expansion of the metropolitan area, as the city absorbs surrounding settlements.
Large numbers continue to arrive each year, fleeing limited job opportunities or recurring disasters in rural Bangladesh—intensifying Dhaka’s population surge.
Mounting challenges
The report notes that the city’s growth has placed severe strain on essential services, including housing, healthcare, education, transport, sanitation, and disaster preparedness. Chronic traffic congestion, inadequate housing, and pressure on clean water supplies remain among Dhaka’s most urgent crises.

Urban planners say that managing settlement expansion, strengthening infrastructure, and adopting climate-resilient development strategies will be critical as the city pushes deeper into megacity territory. The UN also highlights that the number of global megacities—cities with more than 10 million people—has risen to 33, reflecting an accelerating shift toward dense urban living.

Population snapshot
Jakarta, Indonesia — approx. 41.9 million (Rank 1)
Dhaka, Bangladesh — approx. 36.6 million (Rank 2)
Tokyo, Japan — approx. 33.4 million (Rank 3)
Local reactions
Urban researchers, civil society groups, and policy analysts in Bangladesh have treated the report as a stark warning. They stress the urgent need for long-term planning, sustainable urban development, and stronger disaster-risk management. Many emphasise that coordinated national and international support will be essential to reinforce infrastructure and adopt environmentally responsible policies capable of supporting Dhaka’s massive population load.