Author - Judy L. Baker, Senior Economist, Finance Economics & Urban Department, World Bank. Dhaka is the fastest growing mega-city in the world. Annually, the city draws an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 mostly poor migrants who provide critical employment for the city’s industries and services. Urgent measures are required to address the vital needs of the rapidly growing urban poor. Poverty affects a third of Dhaka's residents mostly living in slums; Adequate access to shelter, basic services, and a living wage are major challenges for the poor; Crime and violence have become a major problem in Dhaka, particularly affecting the poor; The institutional deficiencies in Dhaka impede effective city management and poverty concerns.The demand for workers and services in the growing industries of Dhaka has prompted large scale migration from rural areas for better opportunities. The migrants contribute to the city’s economic development by providing necessary labor to manufacturing and services. This has, however, also put pressure on the city’s infrastructure, public services and habitable land. This study reflects a comprehensive analysis of poverty in Dhaka focusing on understanding the characteristics and dynamics of poverty, issues of employment, land and housing, basic services, and crime and violence. This study aims to provide the basis for an urban poverty reduction strategy for the Government of Bangladesh, local authorities, donors, and NGOs.