Govt forms panel to overhaul Dhaka building laws

The government has formed a high-level committee headed by the Home Minister to review existing laws governing building construction and urban development in Dhaka Metropolitan City and recommend reforms to strengthen regulatory oversight.

The three-member committee has been tasked with examining The Building Construction Act, 1952 and The Town Improvement Act, 1953, and proposing necessary amendments, revisions and modifications to make the legal framework more contemporary and effective.

A notification issued by the Committee Affairs Branch of the Cabinet Division on Wednesday confirmed the formation of the committee.

The Home Minister has been appointed chairman of the committee, while the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the Minister for Housing and Public Works have been named as members.

The committee will review the existing provisions related to building regulations and urban development in the capital and submit recommendations for strengthening the implementation process.

The notification said the committee may include additional members if required, while meetings will be held as necessary.

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works will provide secretarial assistance to the committee.

The government plans to place proposed amendments to the relevant laws and regulations before the Cabinet after receiving recommendations from the committee.

The review comes as authorities continue efforts to improve urban management, ensure safer construction practices and address challenges linked to the rapid expansion of Dhaka Metropolitan City.