Rapid urbanization and economic development caused urban river pollution globally. In the developing countries' megapolis, the situation is especially critical in response to the United Nation's sustainable development goal for 2030. Dhaka, Bangladesh, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Around 21 million people are living in this city of 1464 km². Currently, 98% of untreated domestic sewage as well as significant amounts of industrial wastewater discharge from over 7000 industries are contributing to the presence of black and foul water in the urban rivers. In this study, a driving force-impact-challenge-response (DICR) framework is formed to create a big picture of urban river pollution situation, which incorporates nine factors of social, environmental, and governmental aspects. Using this framework, a comparative study was performed between Dhaka rivers and other rivers in developing countries with successful rehabilitation experiences. Accordingly, a strategy for Dhaka's urban river pollution control was developed, which included improvement of sewerage systems, appropriate planning of industrial enterprises, construction of hydraulic structures to modify and improve the water flow, and an efficient management framework and finance investments for river rehabilitation. The key actions necessary to further improve the river water quality in the far future are also suggested, under the condition that dry-weather black and foul occurrence in the Dhaka rivers could be eliminated. The river assessment framework and associated strategies may also help policymakers, the government, and researchers to develop a plan for the rehabilitation of seriously polluted rivers in other developing countries.