Approval process comes under scrutiny; IPD demands withdrawal of amendments
Published : 19 October 2026
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Updated : 19 October 2026, 02:54
Helemul Alam
The government has amended three key provisions of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022-2035, allowing additional floor area ratio (FAR) for residential plots, changing the land-use classification of three plots and revising regulations for water-flow zones.
The amendments, published in a gazette by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works on October 14, have drawn criticism from urban planners over alleged procedural irregularities and potential environmental consequences.
The changes also faced criticism at a board meeting at the ministry, where it was decided that Rajuk would issue a statement clarifying the procedure, meeting sources said.
“Rajuk will issue a statement on this matter tomorrow (Monday),” said Md Alamgir Hossain, public relations officer at the ministry.
Rajuk Chairman Reazul Islam declined to comment.
Under the revised provisions, eligible residential plot owners in Purbachal and Jhilmil can receive an additional FAR of up to 0.5 if they apply for building-plan approval within six months from October 15. The incentive mainly applies to plots measuring at least five kathas.
Beneficiaries must complete construction up to the plinth level within one year of final approval or face a penalty equivalent to 20 times the approval fee.
Existing regulations on road width, setbacks, ground coverage and building height will remain unchanged.
The gazette also allows plots 1,047, 1,048 and 1,050 in Ailbahar mouza, under Shyampur and Kadamtali, to be reclassified from open space to heavy industrial use.
The reclassification requires clearances from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and Dhaka South City Corporation, compliance with river-foreshore regulations and Rajuk’s approval for construction.
Another amendment revises Section 7.5.8(b) on water-flow overlay zones, allowing proposed land-use guidelines, including approved residential layout plans, to determine occupancy types where land-use designations conflict.
However, the provision excludes land recorded as canals, ponds, roads, pathways or other water bodies, as well as government khas land.
A Rajuk source on Saturday alleged that the amendments were issued without completing the required technical review and approval process.
The source said a nine-member government technical committee had recommended against changing the classification of the three Ailbahar plots without no-objection clearances from BIWTA and the relevant city corporation.
After obtaining the clearances, the committee was expected to inspect the site and assess potential impacts on the environment, ecology and local residents before making its final recommendation to the Rajuk Board.
Adil Mohammed Khan, executive director of the Institute for Planning and Development (IPD), criticised the amendments, saying they prioritised industrial and real estate interests over public welfare.
He said major development plans should be amended only after professional consultation and impartial assessment. He also questioned reports that planners and Rajuk officials had not been adequately informed of the changes.
Khan warned that weakening protections for open spaces, flood-flow zones and riverfront areas could worsen Dhaka’s environmental conditions and waterlogging.
He raised particular concerns about allowing heavy industrial development in Jurain and Postogola and questioned repeated FAR increases in eastern Dhaka, saying they appeared inconsistent with original planning assumptions and population projections.
Dr Muhammad Ariful Islam, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, said, “Changes should not be made in this manner. It is not appropriate to proceed without proper consultation and disclosure of the relevant information.”
In a statement yesterday, IPD demanded immediate revocation of the third-round DAP amendment gazette.
It called for full disclosure of the amendments, a technical investigation into possible corruption or commercial influence, protection of floodplains and waterways, and FAR increases consistent with population projections and infrastructure capacity.
IPD also accused successive governments since 2022 of prioritising business interests over Dhaka’s environment and liveability, warning that the latest changes could strain infrastructure and undermine public welfare.