The Cabinet on Thursday gave final approval to the draft Bogura Development Authority Act, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a statutory authority to oversee planned urban development in Bogura and its surrounding areas.
The approval came at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The proposed law aims to establish a modern and planned city by maintaining ecological balance, preventing unplanned urbanisation, ensuring disaster-resilient urban management, promoting information technology and tourism sectors, and improving public services and quality of urban life.
Under the draft legislation, the Bogura Development Authority will be formed as a statutory body comprising a chairman, full-time members and representatives from relevant government agencies. The authority will cover Bogura City Corporation and adjoining areas.
The authority will prepare a phased planning framework – from a master plan to development projects and local-level plans – through a statutory process involving public hearings and prior publication.
No construction work or development project will be allowed without approval from the authority.
The proposed law also includes measures to protect rivers, canals, water bodies, playgrounds and open spaces through stricter environmental regulations.
It provides for modern land management tools, including land readjustment with consent from at least 60 per cent of landowners and land redevelopment.
The draft legislation proposes penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for offences such as unauthorised construction and filling of water bodies.
It also includes provisions allowing the authority to maintain its own fund, impose development fees, take loans and conduct audits.
The Cabinet approved the draft law subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.
