Govt studies ‘secondary city’ near Dhaka

The government has begun a feasibility study to develop a “secondary city” on the outskirts of Dhaka to reduce growing population pressure, housing shortages and the concentration of economic activities in the capital.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher disclosed the plan in parliament on Tuesday in a written reply to a question from BNP lawmaker Khairul Kabir Khokon of Narsingdi-1.

Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal chaired the question-and-answer session.

The minister said the proposed urban centre formed part of the government’s broader efforts to address the worsening housing crisis in Dhaka and its surrounding areas.

He said the National Housing Authority had prepared a Development Project Proposal to construct residential flats for low-income groups on 98 acres of land at Dattapara in Tongi, Gazipur.

The proposal is awaiting government approval.

Zakaria said the National Housing Authority was also implementing housing projects in different cities and towns based on local demand and requests from public representatives.

Responding to a separate question about housing facilities in the industrial district of Narsingdi, the minister said the authority had not yet taken up any project there.

However, the government may consider developing housing for low- and middle-income families in Narsingdi if there is adequate demand, a favourable feasibility study and sufficient dispute-free land, he added.