Dhaka’s Vertical Transformation: How New Commercial Hubs Are Reshaping Professional Opportunities

Dhaka is experiencing a significant shift in its urban commercial environment, driven by government policy changes and the delivery of major infrastructure projects. The regulatory landscape has moved toward encouraging vertical growth, with the government increasing the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) by 20-80% in most zones across the city. This regulatory adjustment, combined with the decision by RAJUK to abandon plans for separate residential and commercial zoning, is facilitating the development of taller, more integrated commercial spaces throughout the metropolitan area.

The Emergence of Tejgaon and Banani as Business Anchors

The city's professional geography is undergoing a visible transition as new commercial towers become operational. In April 2026, Shanta Holdings handed over 'Pinnacle' in Tejgaon, a project notable as Bangladesh's first completed 40-storey skyscraper. This development highlights the transition of Tejgaon from a former industrial area into a functioning Central Business District. Similarly, the commercial sector in Banani has seen progress with the completion of the Concord MB Tower on Road 11, which was handed over to clients in June 2026.

Infrastructure Projects and Future Expansion

Large-scale projects are further signaling the direction of the city's commercial market. Primary infrastructure work has commenced on the World Trade Centre, a 50-storey skyscraper project near Hatirjheel Lake with an estimated project value of Tk 50-billion. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) has received administrative approval to construct 10 commercial buildings across the country. These projects include a 10-storey tower situated near the organization's Dhaka headquarters and a convention hall in Mirpur, with construction work targeted to begin on September 1, 2026.

Impact on the Local Talent Market

The influx of these high-capacity commercial structures is likely to influence how local businesses attract and retain talent. As large-scale, modern office environments like those in Tejgaon and Banani become more accessible, the demand for office space designed for high-density professional activity is rising. The combination of increased FAR allowances and the development of major commercial townships means that Dhaka’s central areas are being repurposed to house larger numbers of professional services under one roof. For job seekers and professionals, these developments suggest a centralization of commercial activity, potentially streamlining the connection between major enterprises and the workforce concentrated near key hubs like Hatirjheel and Tejgaon.

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