Politics
Dhaka North City Corporation 2026 Infrastructure Budget Allocates Funds for Local Hiring in Road and Utility Projects
Residents in Dhaka wards can apply for new positions in construction crews and sanitation teams funded through the city corporation's latest development allocation.
How we reported this
The Dhaka North City Corporation council approved an expanded allocation within its annual development budget on 2 July 2026 to accelerate repairs on major arterial roads and utility lines. The measure directs contractors to fill at least 60 percent of project positions with Dhaka residents registered through local ward offices.
Population growth has increased pressure on existing transport corridors and drainage systems, prompting the corporation to release additional funds from its 2025-26 capital works envelope. Officials have stated the spending targets segments of the Mirpur and Uttara corridors where maintenance backlogs have been documented in prior engineering reports.
Employment and Service Delivery Effects
Under the revised guidelines, construction firms awarded contracts must submit hiring lists to the corporation's labour desk before work begins. Positions include equipment operators, road-laying crews and drainage inspectors, with daily wage rates set at the corporation's standard scale for unskilled and semi-skilled categories. Local advocates note that the requirement replaces earlier provisions that allowed out-of-city subcontractors to bring their own teams.
Residents in the affected wards stand to gain access to steady work on projects that include pavement resurfacing along the 5-kilometre stretch of Begum Rokeya Avenue and replacement of 12 ageing water mains. The corporation's engineering division estimates each completed segment will reduce average commute delays by 18 minutes during peak hours, based on traffic counts collected in 2025.
The budget paper released by the corporation lists BDT 1,850 crore committed to these works, with BDT 420 crore earmarked specifically for labour costs. The document further projects 8,400 short-term positions and 1,200 ongoing maintenance roles over the next 18 months.
Implementation Timeline
Tender notices for the first three packages will appear in the corporation gazette by 20 July 2026. Selected contractors must complete mobilisation and begin recruitment verification within 45 days of award. The corporation has scheduled quarterly public briefings at ward community centres to report hiring numbers and project milestones.