Urban planners, politicians, and housing sector stakeholders opine that ambiguity in the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) guidelines and uncertainty in implementation are eroding confidence in the housing sector. They argue that merely amending DAP is insufficient – integrated and sustainable urban planning is essential to protect the environment. Experts suggest decentralising development beyond Dhaka as a future solution.
These views were expressed at a citizen’s dialogue titled “Sustainable Urbanization” organised by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS) at CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital on Wednesday.
Panelists emphasised that making Dhaka a livable city requires freeing RAJUK from corruption. Vice President of REHAB Abdur Razzak stated, “RAJUK does not move a single brick without money. We held 37 meetings but made no progress in DAP implementation.” He noted that area-based fare regulations are discouraging landowners from constructing buildings, negatively impacting the housing sector.
Secretary General of the Jatiya Party Barrister Shameem Haider Patwary remarked, “Dhaka is dead. RAJUK, DIT, and the political government are responsible for this demise. Prioritising upazilas could save Dhaka.”
Former State Minister for Housing and Public Works Alamgir Kabir said, “Dhaka has grown chaotically. Corruption is the country’s biggest problem. Previously, we had a bureaucratic-democratic government; now it has turned into bureaucratic-NGO governance.”
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh Ruhin Hossain Prince commented, “I don’t even want to talk about RAJUK. Even trees a kilometre away from their office demand bribes.” Prince also criticised the Rampal Power Plant construction without conducting an impact assessment in the Sundarbans.
Barrister Shihab Uddin Khan harshly criticised unplanned housing projects in Savar and Ashulia, stating, “Our ecosystem is destroyed. The environmental disaster in Savar, near the capital, is horrific. Even after 50 years of independence, we have failed to ensure citizens’ rights.”
Other participants included former NEC member Dr Dewan Mohammad Sadeque, REHAB Director Dr Harunur Rashid, urban expert Farzana Sharmin Putul, and Universal Medical College Hospital Chairman Preeti Chakraborty, among others.