Dhaka Residents Block Development Projects Over Infrastructure Concerns

A recent proposal to build a high-rise complex in the heart of Dhaka's Gulshan neighborhood has sparked intense debate among local residents, with many expressing opposition to the project due to concerns over traffic congestion and strain on existing infrastructure.

The issue of community opposition to development is a pressing one in Dhaka, where the city's rapid growth and urbanization have led to a surge in construction projects. As the city's population continues to swell, with estimates suggesting it will reach 20 million by 2025, the demand for housing and commercial space is driving development at a breakneck pace. However, this growth has also led to concerns over the city's ability to cope with the increased pressure on its infrastructure, including its roads, water supply, and waste management systems.

In Dhaka, the debate over development is playing out in neighborhoods such as Banani, Baridhara, and Uttara, where residents are pushing back against new projects. The Dhaka City Corporation, the Bangladesh Housing and Building Research Institute, and the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha are all involved in the planning and approval process for new developments, but residents argue that their concerns are not being adequately addressed. For example, the proposed high-rise complex in Gulshan would be located on a plot of land bounded by Gulshan Avenue, Bir Uttam AK Khandakar Road, and Pragati Sarani, and would include a mix of residential and commercial units.

Understanding the Data

According to data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the average price of a square foot of residential space in Dhaka has increased by 15% over the past year, to Tk 12,500. Meanwhile, the number of new construction projects approved by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha has risen by 20% over the same period, with 500 new projects given the green light in 2025 alone. However, residents argue that this growth is not being matched by corresponding investments in infrastructure, with the city's roads and utilities struggling to cope with the increased demand.

As the debate over development in Dhaka continues, residents and developers are being urged to work together to find solutions that balance the need for growth with the need to protect the city's quality of life. The Dhaka City Corporation has announced plans to launch a new public consultation process, which will allow residents to provide feedback on proposed developments and help shape the city's future growth. With the city's population projected to continue growing at a rapid pace, finding a way to manage this growth sustainably will be crucial to ensuring that Dhaka remains a livable and thriving city for all its residents.