Dhaka:A government initiative is underway to create master plans for the planned development of cities and towns across the country, eventually extending to the upazila level. Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher announced this effort at the 'Smart City Conclave 2026' held at a city hotel.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister stated that the government is initially focusing on metropolitan cities in Bangladesh. The plan involves zoning to determine appropriate locations for different developments, with the ultimate goal of preparing a master plan for the entire country.
The Urban Development Directorate (UDD) has embarked on an approximate 10-year plan aimed at more precise and coordinated urban development. Additionally, the government has established new development authorities in Mymensingh, Sylhet, Cumilla, Narayanganj, Rangpur, and Barishal over the past seven months, similar to the existing Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK). Efforts are also underway to establish an authority in Bogura.
Zakaria Taher emphasized the need for a comprehensive legal framework to ensure checks and balances in development planning, addressing the issue of city corporations preparing and implementing plans without oversight. The government is also working on formulating rules for buildings constructed without approved plans or in violation of existing plans.
RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam highlighted the challenges posed by the increasing migration to Dhaka and the emergence of new slums. He questioned the feasibility of controlling slum development solely through law enforcement. The conclave was attended by various stakeholders from the housing, construction, energy, and urban planning sectors.