Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Tajul Islam said that the capital Dhaka would not be allowed to develop unplanned in any way. He was speaking at a national seminar organized by the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK) at a hotel in the capital yesterday to finalize the draft detailed area plan-DAP (2018-2035). After finishing the DAP, all concerned, including public representatives, government officials, town planners, real estate people in business, and architects, should implement it.
Tajul Islam said, “We cannot transform Dhaka city into an uninhabitable city for the next generation.” To this end, consultations and opinions have already been sought from all stakeholders, including urban planners, architects, professionals, environmentalists, civil society representatives, city corporations and municipal mayors and councillors. The needs of people of all socio-economic classes and professions, development of life and fundamental issues have been included in this year’s DAP.
He said policy plans at the national and international levels have also been taken into consideration while formulating the plan. In addition to various initiatives to make Dhaka modern, attractive and livable, the project aims to make the city an eco-friendly city by constructing several large, water-centric and eco-parks, playground recreation centres and ring roads.
“None of us are against high-rise buildings,” the Minister said. Even I personally am in favour of high-rise buildings. But to do this, it is necessary to ensure the facilities, especially utility services, roads, educational institutions, health centres, playgrounds and other civic amenities, including recreation centres. High-rise buildings on five-seven Katha land and those with inconsistencies will be reviewed. And it will be decided by discussing how much building can be done in this amount of space. We cannot make the city uninhabitable. He said that if the residential areas where industrial mills have already been set up are environmentally friendly and do not cause any suffering, then those areas will be considered mixed areas. Not only this, in all these areas, the online-based business will be encouraged.
The Minister said that to finalize the DAP, the views and suggestions of all parties and experts would be taken into consideration in this seminar and logical issues must be included. These suggestions and opinions will enrich us more and will help us to work.
