Dhaka City Governance and Infrastructure Reforms Move Forward

Dhaka's city corporations, having returned to full operational capacity in December 2025 following a 15-day hiatus, are currently focusing on essential public services. Government-appointed administrators have identified mosquito control, waste management, and the streamlining of birth and death registration services as primary objectives for the capital's municipal management, according to reports from BSS News.

These operational adjustments arrive as the city faces significant pressure to improve its administrative efficiency and infrastructure. To address these challenges, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved a large-scale project valued at Tk 3,397.81 crore. This development project is intended to enhance administrative skills and overall living standards across Dhaka and other city corporations, as reported by the Daily Bangla Post.

Infrastructure and Planning Overhauls

In addition to these financial investments, governance of the capital is undergoing a shift through several major policy decisions. According to BSS News, the government has finalized plans to automate 120 traffic signals using local technology. Authorities also intend to relocate five inter-district bus terminals outside the Dhaka metropolitan area and remove unauthorized bus counters, a strategy designed to alleviate the city's persistent traffic congestion.

Long-term urban planning is also nearing a new phase. The DAP Advisory Council Committee has finalized the amended draft of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) for Dhaka. This document incorporates significant updates to zoning regulations, housing density requirements, and the Floor Area Ratio (FAR). Official gazette publication for these amendments is expected within the coming month, according to findings reported by BSS News.

Potential Structural Reforms

Beyond immediate infrastructure projects, the city's governance structure may undergo a substantial reorganization. The Local Government Reform Commission has proposed a restructuring that would merge the Dhaka North and South City Corporations into a single entity. The commission further suggests the formation of at least 20 independent City Councils to better manage civic service delivery across the capital, as detailed in discussions documented by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and reports by the Dhaka Tribune.

Residents can expect these administrative and infrastructural changes to influence daily navigation and municipal service access in the coming months. As these projects move from planning to implementation, the government's focus remains on improving the coordination of civic services throughout the city. Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against our editorial standards. Sources are linked where available. Spotted an error or need a correction? Contact [email protected].