Rules being formulated for buildings built without approved plans: Minister
Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher today said rules are being formulated for the buildings constructed without approved plans or in violation of approved designs.
“Work is underway on this,” he said while addressing the Smart City Conclave 2026, organized by Bonik Barta at Hotel Sheraton in Banani.
The minister said six new development authorities have been established in Mymensingh, Sylhet, Cumilla, Narayanganj, Rangpur and Barishal in the past seven months, in addition to RAJUK.
Work is also underway to establish one in Bogura, he added.
He said where development authorities are absent, city corporations often approve plans and implement projects themselves, creating a lack of checks and balances.
“We are trying to bring everyone under a comprehensive legal framework,” he said.
Regarding Gulshan and Banani, Taher said 70 to 80 percent of houses may not have the septic tanks and soak wells required under the original plans.
The government is holding meetings with local residential societies including Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara societies to address the issue, he said.
He said authorities previously approved mainly architectural plans, but now they are seeking to include structural, electrical and other necessary designs.
After construction, the designers will certify that buildings were properly constructed before occupancy certificates are issued, he said.
The minister also said the Urban Development Directorate (UDD) has undertaken its first nearly 10-year plan, initially focusing on metropolitan cities.
Later, master plans will be prepared for major cities and eventually at the upazila level, he said.
Policymakers, planners, engineers, developers and representatives from government and private organizations attended the conclave.
