We share the concern of civic groups that the inclusion of property development companies among the consultants being employed to prepare the new Detailed Area Plan (DAP) for 1,500sq-km around Dhaka city, creates an unavoidable conflict of interest.
It is not the expertise of the consultants concerned which is in question. Nor do we doubt their common interest in helping facilitate a better structure for the future planning and development of Dhaka.
However, given some of the failings apparent in implementation of the current DAP, the government should have cast the net wider to avoid even the appearance of any conflicts of interest.
Inertia, poor governance, and vested interests have all prevented the capital’s authorities from meeting the requirements of the current DAP to act against the over 100 real estate companies which have illegally developed projects by destroying conserveable flood plains in and around the capital.
If Bangladesh is to reap the benefits of a new DAP to improve the infrastructure and development of Dhaka, consistency in the enforcement of planning rules has to be a prerequisite.
Corruption and poor management within the City Corporations has to be rooted out for this to happen.
The government must schedule mayoral elections so city residents can hold authorities to account in improving basic city services.
As well as empowering residents. such accountability will also be the most effective way to ensure Dhaka incorporates a strong and sustainable vision in plans for its future growth.