Staff Reporter :
Experts warned on Friday that Dhaka has turned increasingly unsafe and unlivable due to decades of unplanned expansion.
They cautioned that unless this disorderly growth is brought under control, the capital will remain highly vulnerable to earthquakes, fires, and other major disasters.
Speaking at an online discussion organised by the Institute for Planning and Development (IPD), its Director, Professor Adil Muhammad Khan, said Dhaka’s safety depends on strict adherence to land-use regulations, building design guidelines, soil-testing requirements, fire-safety standards, and community-based disaster training.
“Without these measures, a strong earthquake, fire, or large-scale catastrophe could cause devastating damage to the city,” he said.
Experts noted that Dhaka has expanded haphazardly for many years.
Numerous structures have been built without following approved planning standards, while authorities struggled to manage the city’s enormous population influx.
They highlighted that many high-rise buildings now stand on unsafe land-such as reclaimed wetlands and low-lying areas-where the soil lacks the capacity to bear heavy loads.
Political pressure, improper land use, and corruption among officials have further worsened the situation.
Speakers also criticised recent changes to the Detailed Area Plan (DAP), saying the revisions were made under pressure from business groups without proper consideration of earthquake risks or Dhaka’s overall safety.
They said the alterations ignored crucial factors like soil quality and seismic-risk maps. They called for halting any move to introduce new rules that increase building heights or population density without thorough scientific assessment.
Experts stressed that future urban planning must take into account soil conditions, land type, and the natural load-bearing capacity of different areas. They urged the government to expedite formation of the Bangladesh Building Regulatory Authority (BBRA) to ensure proper enforcement of building rules.
Representing IPD, Professor Adil said that while earthquakes cannot be prevented, their impact can be minimised through strict implementation of construction codes.
“We must enforce the building code without exception and establish the BBRA as soon as possible to implement the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC),” he said.
He added that new developments should avoid risky zones.
“No public or private project should be approved on filled lakes, reservoirs, or wetlands,” he emphasised.
Professor Adil also stressed the need to identify unsafe buildings and conduct regular emergency drills and awareness programmes. He said low-income groups must have access to safe, affordable housing and called for involving private developers in this effort.
“Strict measures must be taken against any official, institution, or developer responsible for violating construction rules,” he added.
IPD said long-term pressure on Dhaka can be eased only if development is distributed to other cities. Creating planned housing, expanding job opportunities, and improving urban services in divisional and district towns could significantly reduce Dhaka’s burden over the next 15-20 years.
IPD’s recommendations included stronger enforcement of building regulations, safer infrastructure, better coordination among city institutions, and improved community preparedness.
Short-term steps suggested by IPD include listing vulnerable buildings, relocating residents from unsafe structures, increasing fire-safety inspections, upgrading fire-service capability, restoring water bodies, and introducing digital building-permit systems.
Medium-term actions involve strengthening weak buildings, redeveloping high-risk zones like Old Dhaka, removing hazardous activities from crowded areas, and identifying rescue routes and safe shelters.
Long-term proposals include establishing a unified city authority, promoting development across multiple cities, integrating disaster-risk considerations into all planning, adopting safer construction technologies, and enhancing disaster education at community and school levels.
