Dhaka: The government today approved the draft of the RAJUK Ordinance 2025, while Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus directed concerned authorities to create a separate authority to oversee the approval of buildings and construction works nationwide. The Council of Advisers gave the approval to the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Ordinance 2025 at its meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser directed the Housing and Public Works ministry to explore the possibility of establishing a separate authority responsible for approving buildings and constructions across Bangladesh. This proposal comes as RAJUK currently holds the authority to grant permissions only within its designated jurisdiction.
During discussions on the RAJUK Ordinance, Prof Yunus expressed concerns over unsafe construction practices spreading nationwide, including rural areas. He highlighted the construction of many four- or five-storey buildings and questioned whether these structures adhere to the Bangladesh National Building Code, especially given the country’s susceptibility to earthquakes and fire hazards.
The Council of Advisers stressed the importance of ensuring compliance with construction rules and fire safety measures during building activities. Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, explained that the new RAJUK ordinance is necessary as the existing law cannot adequately address the challenges arising from RAJUK’s expanding jurisdiction and responsibilities.
The ordinance introduces features for redevelopment, land readjustment, and the prevention of misuse of playgrounds, wetlands, and natural water bodies. A significant clause within the ordinance allows redevelopment projects to proceed if landowners agree in 60 percent of cases. Additionally, the Chief Adviser mandated that no Union Parishad within RAJUK’s jurisdiction may issue building approvals.
Provisions in the ordinance also regulate building construction, excavation of water bodies, low land filling, prevention of natural water flow obstruction, and restrictions on changing classifications of playgrounds, parks, and water bodies. The law introduces penalties for constructing buildings in violation of approved designs and provisions for removing deviation-prone and dangerous structures.
Furthermore, the ordinance prohibits the RAJUK chairman, members, or employees from having any share, interest, or participation in contracts related to RAJUK operations.