Real estate developers, building designers, and related professionals are attempting to safeguard their own interests in the process of amending Dhaka’s Building Construction Rules and Detailed Area Plan (DAP).
Under their influence, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) are proceeding with amendments to the Building Construction Rules and DAP while completely disregarding public interest and Dhaka’s livability.
Urban planners made these remarks at an online event organized by the Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) on Friday.
The discussion was titled "IPD's Observations: The process, purpose, and conflict of interest in amending Dhaka’s building construction rules and Detailed Area Plan (DAP)".
In the keynote presentation, IPD Director Professor Adil Muhammad Khan said: "The draft amendments to the Building Construction Rules and the proposed changes in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in Dhaka’s Detailed Area Plan do not reflect the opinions of planners. This is extremely disappointing and will be an obstacle to building a livable Dhaka."
He further said: "Since the July coup, business groups in Bangladesh have been actively working to protect their commercial interests under the guise of amending the Building Construction Rules and DAP. This will further endanger the city's livability, public health, and overall public interest. Some government officials, along with a few professionals, have also joined this effort. Proper investigations and necessary actions should be taken regarding this matter."
The urban planner emphasized the need to examine whose proposals and interests are being prioritized over the recommendations of planning professionals.
He said: "To enhance Dhaka’s livability, the government must ensure that any amendments to the Building Construction Rules and DAP are made based on expert technical advice from planners and active public participation."
