Rajuk repeatedly changes DAP to benefit businessmen: Urban planners

Raising alarm over the recent amendment proposals to the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) of Dhaka, urban planners and experts claimed that repeated changes in DAP prioritise interests of businessmen instead of Dhaka city's livability, capacity, and environmental sustainability.

The proposals, released by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), have drawn strong criticism for neglecting key urban planning considerations and giving in to the pressures of real estate developers.

Under pressure from businesspeople and interest groups, two amendments have been initiated within two years of the finalisation of DAP (2022-35), urban planners alleged.

At an online event organised by the Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) titled "In what interests are the repeated amendments to the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) being initiated: IPD's observations," urban planners questioned the role of certain Rajuk officials, professionals, and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works in the DAP amendment process. 

Urban planners argue that the repeated amendments are not only harming the environment but also ignoring the pressing need to protect flood flow areas, wetlands, and agricultural lands. The proposed changes also fail to incorporate the sustainable planning principles required for building a livable city. Particularly, the proposed Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits are seen as inadequate, with many arguing they do not align with the needs of a growing and congested metropolis like Dhaka.

Speaking at the event, experts expressed concern that this trend undermines the long-term livability of Dhaka, a city already facing challenges such as severe traffic congestion, pollution, and limited civic amenities. 

In his keynote address, IPD Director Professor Adil Muhammad Khan pointed out that beyond the proposed increase in building size and height, no substantial improvements were made to enhance the city's infrastructure or environmental resilience. 

He stated, "The amendments, by focusing mainly on business interests, could further jeopardise the already fragile livability of Dhaka."

Associate Professor Farhadur Reza from Jahangirnagar University emphasised that urban planning decisions should always reflect the city's capacity and needs, not just the profit-driven motives of real estate businessmen. 

He called for more research to understand the impacts of high FAR on traffic flow, infrastructure, and the overall effectiveness of roads in the city.

Urban planner Sajid Iqbal echoed these concerns, stating that suggesting the cancellation of the entire DAP based solely on FAR considerations would be a grave mistake.

He emphasised that urban planning should be grounded in a broader vision that accounts for the city's long-term sustainability rather than short-term business profits.

Redwanur Rahman, another urban planner, called for a more inclusive approach to revising the DAP, advocating for the involvement of all stakeholders in the process. 

He stated, "The DAP should be amended in a way that reflects the logical and sustainable input of all parties, not just business interests."