United News of Bangladesh

No political party or candidate will be allowed to carry out electioneering in educational institutions, government offices or foreign lands, in addition to religious places of worship, according to the recently published electoral code of conduct. The Election Commission has imposed the ban on campaign in educational institutions, government offices and foreign territories for the first time in the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Election Rule 2025, which was published in official gazette on November 10 last ahead of the national election to be held in February 2026. A candidate must resign from the president or member post of the management committee of an educational institution before the start of election campaign. No candidate is allowed to receive any type of reception from an institution, association or organisation and no one involved in election campaign can stay in government Dak-Bungalow, rest-house, circuit-house or any government office. According to the section 15 of the code of conduct, any registered political party or its nominated candidates or independent candidates or anyone acting on their behalf can’t carry out any form of election campaign in mosques, temples, pagodas, churches or any other religious place of worship and any government office or educational institution. The EC is introducing a hybrid postal balloting system for expatriate Bangladeshis to vote in the upcoming national election, but it barred campaign abroad. Police HQ seeks ‘honest, neutral’ inspectors for OC posts ahead of election “No political party or candidate can’t hold any type of public rally, street rally and meeting or carry out campaign in foreign land centering the election,” states section 06 of the code of conduct. No Posters; Maximum 20 Billboards The use of posters has completely been banned, but billboards, banners and festoons alongside leaflets and handbills can be used in the electioneering. Besides, campaigning through electronic and digital media is allowed this time. As per the section 7 of the code of conduct, posters cannot be used under any circumstances, and pamphlets, leaflets, handbills, festoons or banners made from non-biodegradable materials such as rexine, polythene, plastic or other environmentally harmful substances are prohibited. Banners, leaflets, handbills and festoons must be in black and white. The maximum allowable size is 10 feet by 4 feet for banners, 8.27 inches by 11.69 inches for leaflets, and 18 inches by 24 inches for festoons. These restrictions do not apply to electronic or digital media campaigns. A candidate cannot install more than 20 billboards in an election area (constituency), each with a maximum size of 16 feet by 9 feet. Poly-coated banners, leaflets or festoons, as well as PVC banners, are prohibited. No More  Than  3 Loud Speakers Under Section 17 of the new code, a candidate, or anyone acting on his or her behalf, can’t use more than three microphones or loudspeakers simultaneously in a constituency. This is aligned with Article 44B(3A) of the Representation of the People Order 1972, which prohibits candidates from incurring expenses on more than three microphones or loudspeakers at a time. However, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on November 11 explained the provision saying that not more than three amplifiers can be used in a meeting or rally. “If a candidate holds three rallies, they can use a total of nine amplifiers — three for each,” he said. To curb sound pollution, the new code states that sound from microphones used in campaigns must not exceed 60 decibels, and loudspeakers may only be used from 2pm to 8pm daily. The violation of the code of conduct could lead to cancellation of the candidature as a provision incorporated in the code alongside the RPO. Read more: Jamaat, NCP, other parties join EC’s dialogue Campaign Plan Political parties or candidates must submit their campaign plans to the authorities before the campaign begins. To foster mutual harmony and maintain a friendly environment, the returning officer or assistant returning officer will bring all candidates together after symbol allocation to present their electoral manifestos and pledge to follow the code of conduct. Candidates or party representatives can take part in electoral dialogues hosted by television channels but must avoid personal attacks. No Drone, Quadcopter The new code of conduct banned the use of any type of drone, quadcopter or such type of machine in the election campaign and the balloting hours. Only the president and general secretary of a political party — or their equivalents — may use helicopters for campaign travel. However, no campaign material may be displayed, distributed or dropped using the helicopter. Previously, only the party chief or equivalent could use a helicopter. Some 4,000 expats register on first day to vote in next election AI-Social Media Misuse According to the code of conduct, Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be used for malicious purposes in any election-related matter, including campaigning. Candidates, their election agents or political parties must submit the name, account ID, email ID and other relevant social media information to the returning officer before the campaign begins. The code prohibits all harmful content — including hate speech, misinformation, facial distortion, fabricated materials or inflammatory language targeting opponents, women, minorities or any other group of people. No political party, candidate or affiliated person can create, publish or share false, misleading, hateful, obscene or defamatory content on social media or any other platform through editing or AI manipulation, with the intention of misleading voters or tarnishing any person’s image. Punishment Punishment for violating the code has been made stricter, with the maximum penalty raised to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 150,000 (previously Tk 50,000). A new provision requires candidates to submit a written commitment to abide by the code and accept punishment in case of violation. Read more: Motivate voters to go to polling stations: CEC to political leaders

Once considered a crucial regional lifeline, the Chuadanga–Darshana road has now turned into a symbol of chronic neglect, corruption and repeated failure. Despite being repaired more than 10 times over the past two and a half years, spending Tk 8.62 crore, the road remains unfit for travel, leaving thousands of commuters at daily risk. The highway, one of Chuadanga’s five key regional routes, was resurfaced repeatedly by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD). Yet the 9.7-kilometre stretch from Chuadanga District Jail to Dugdugi Bazar in Damurhuda upazila is today riddled with deep potholes, sharp depressions, raised patches and crumbling sections. Locals say the so-called repairs have achieved nothing. Instead, the road’s condition has worsened so drastically that buses, trucks, microbuses and smaller vehicles struggle to pass through its hazardous segments — often at crawling speed and at constant risk of accidents. Many residents accuse contractors and officials of siphoning off government funds under the cover of local infrastructure development. “Massive plundering took place in the name of repairs,” a local man alleged, claiming that various groups embezzled significant sums allocated for the project. Costly Repair Delivered Little According to RHD sources, the repair initiative officially began on 17 February 2022 with the stated aim of improving transport and ensuring smooth traffic flow along this vital regional link. Contractor Zaherul Ltd was assigned the work, though locals allege that the project was effectively carried out by the former Chuadanga District Jubo League.

Police Headquarters has instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch (SB) and Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to immediately submit lists of honest, neutral and administratively efficient police inspectors for appointment as officers-in-charge (OCs) at police stations across the country ahead of the national election. The directive, issued on November 16 by the Personnel Management–2 wing of PHQ, says that deploying “competent, impartial and professionally credible” police station chiefs is crucial to ensuring a peaceful and fair parliamentary election scheduled for February next year. According to the circular, the law-and-order situation at the field level, especially during the election period, depends significantly on the effectiveness and neutrality of the OC. The chiefs of police stations are identified as the primary point of command for enforcing Election Commission directives, preventing violence and responding to political tensions. Previous elections have shown that the performance and neutrality of OCs can directly influence the credibility of overall security management. With political activities intensifying nationwide, PHQ has prioritised the OC selection process. Unit heads of the DMP, CID and SB have been asked to prepare and submit names of eligible inspectors currently serving under their commands who have clean service records, proven administrative capability and reputations for integrity. A senior police officer, preferring not to be named, said the lists will be reviewed by a committee before final deployment orders for OC postings are issued. The letter was signed by Additional DIG Abdullah Al Zahir of the Personnel Management–2 wing, who underscored the urgency of completing preparations as part of a coordinated security strategy for the national polls. Another senior official at PHQ told UNB that the initiative is part of wider efforts to strengthen field-level policing, which include advance intelligence coordination, enhanced monitoring of vulnerable polling centres and special training modules for officers likely to be posted in high-risk constituencies.

A government-run health facility in Cumilla’s Chandina upazila has allegedly been rented out and used as a private hardware warehouse, sparking concerns over misuse of public property and negligence by health staff. Locals say the Mohichail Union Health and Family Welfare Centre has been partially occupied by a businessman with the consent of the health assistant in charge, who is accused of accepting money in exchange for permitting the illegal use of the premises. A visit to the site revealed that the union sub-health centre comprises three buildings — one used for daily operations, another designated as residential quarters, and the third for the Family Planning Inspector’s office.  The residential building was found locked, while the inspector’s office had been converted into a hardware storage facility. Initially, health assistant Saiful Islam insisted that the building had been declared abandoned and that relevant documents had been submitted.  When questioned further, he admitted that the space had been rented to a trader named Selim from Mahichail Bazar. Silent Walls, Absent Healers: 46 health centres deserted in Sunamganj The alleged misuse has gone largely unchallenged, partly because the newly established Mohichail 20-bed Government Hospital — located just 200 metres away — now serves most of the area’s patients, rendering the old sub-centre largely unused. A local businessman, requesting anonymity, expressed his anger, saying,“How can a government office be rented as a warehouse? Is no one monitoring these irregularities? We urge the administration to take strict action against such corruption.” Trader Selim acknowledged using the building as a warehouse, stating that he is a person with disabilities.  “After journalists came and took photos, I removed all my goods,” he said. Health assistant Saiful Islam attempted to justify his actions, claiming the unused building had turned into a gathering place for drug users at night.  “A disabled trader begged me to keep a few drums for a few days. He gave me Tk 6,000, which I used to build a gate to stop outsiders from entering after office hours. If this was wrong, the responsibility is mine,” he said. Daulatpur health centre beset with manifold problems Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Arifur Rahman said he had been unaware of the situation.  “After learning about the matter from journalists, I immediately ordered the building to be vacated and recommended departmental action against the health assistant,” he said.    

Even as winter sets in, the coastal district of Barguna remains gripped by dengue, with new infections being reported daily and the death toll continuing to rise. As of November 18, the district has recorded at least 15 dengue deaths, while more than 9,000 people have been affected this year.  According to data shared on Tuesday by the district civil surgeon’s office, 117 dengue patients are currently receiving treatment at the Sadar and upazila hospitals across Barguna. Within the past 24 hours alone, 21 new patients were admitted to the 250-bed Barguna General Hospital, which is now treating 60 dengue patients.  During the same period, the upazila health complexes saw 18 fresh admissions—three in Amtali, two in Bamna, four in Betagi and nine in Patharghata.  A total of 67 patients are currently under treatment at these facilities. Official records show that 9,029 dengue patients have been treated in Barguna this year, of whom 8,927 have recovered and returned home.  Barguna District Hospital treated 7,044 of these cases, while 1,985 patients received treatment at upazila-level health complexes. DSCC Administrator visits dengue control activities at Green Road, Dhanmondi Patharghata ranks second in infection numbers after Barguna Sadar, having treated 910 patients so far. The upazila has reported two hospital deaths. Government data confirm 15 dengue-related deaths within the district—12 at Barguna General Hospital, one in Amtali and two in Patharghata. However, an additional 49 residents of Barguna died while undergoing treatment outside the district, pushing the unofficial death toll to around 64. Barguna Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Abul Fattah noted that the district had been declared a dengue ‘hotspot’ as early as March. ‘Through multiple cleanup drives, coordinated efforts by the local administration, and the relentless work of health workers, we were able to keep the situation under control.  Keeping deaths at 15 despite such a large patient count was a major challenge,’ he said. While dengue cannot be fully eradicated, raising public awareness, keeping surroundings clean and eliminating mosquito breeding sites could significantly reduce future risks, he said.  Meanwhile, Bangladesh recorded four more dengue deaths in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the nationwide fatality count to 343 this year. During the same period, 920 new patients were hospitalised, bringing the total number of infections to 86,924, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Health Ministry issues dengue awareness alert amid rising cases DGHS data show that the new cases were reported as follows: 146 in Barishal Division (outside city corporation areas), 116 in Chattogram Division (outside CC), 147 in Dhaka Division (outside CC), 211 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 151 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 72 in Khulna Division (outside CC), 65 in Mymensingh Division (outside CC), two in Rangpur Division (outside CC) and 10 in Sylhet Division (outside CC). Last year, dengue claimed 575 lives. In 2023, the country experienced its deadliest year on record, with 1,705 dengue deaths. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 318,749 recoveries that year.

Bangladesh’s shrimp industry, once a $500 million export engine but now earning less than $300 million, could scale up to $5 billion within five years with the right policy support, industry leaders say. An analysis of export data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) shows that in the 2015-16 fiscal year, the country earned $529 million from shrimp exports. Since then, exports have dropped sharply. While shrimp exports rose by 19 percent in the 2024-25 fiscal year, the figure is still far from the sector’s past heights. Addressing why this promising industry has faltered and whether the current upward trend signals a strong future, Professor Asif Wares Newaz of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University’s Department of Fishing and Post-Harvest Technology said that the use of antibiotics against international standards, White Spot Disease in Bagda shrimp, and issues like jelly-pushing and using inappropriate antibiotics have negatively affected shrimp exports. “Even if exporters process shrimp properly, most farmers remain outside monitoring. Without monitoring disease detection, control measures, and proper drug use, regaining lost reputation will be challenging,” he explained. Asif added that Belgium once was a major market for Bangladeshi shrimp. That market is now dominated by India, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. India alone exports nearly $100 million worth of shrimp to this market, while Bangladesh’s share remains below $25 million. Shrimp: Khulna’s ‘white gold’ eyes Tk 22,600cr export goal Entrepreneurs believe Bangladesh has the potential to compete with India in shrimp exports. “India produces shrimp on 102,000 hectares of land. Bangladesh cultivates over 250,000 hectares. Yet India produces over one million metric tons of shrimp, while Bangladesh produces around 100,000 metric tons of Bagda shrimp,” said SK Kamrul Alam, vice president of the Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association (BFFEA). Kamrul noted that India’s lead is primarily due to its production of Vannamei (white leg) shrimp. Bangladesh received approval to produce Vannamei shrimp several years ago but has not yet started exports. He said leveraging Bangladesh’s shrimp farming land for Vannamei production could break records in exports. “Once Vannamei shrimp exports start, it will be possible to earn $5 billion solely from shrimp by 2030,” Kamrul added. Experimental Vannamei shrimp farming began in 2021 at the research center in Paikgacha, Khulna. The following year, eight companies received experimental cultivation permission, followed by approval for four more firms. Commercial production began last year. Businessmen cite bureaucratic delays as a major reason for the slow roll-out of Vannamei farming. They said an investment of 2–2.5 million Vannamei shrimp could yield sales worth BDT 4.5 million. “Per hectare, Bagda production is around 500 kg, while Vannamei yields 12–15 tons. Eighty percent of the world’s shrimp exports are Vannamei. Yet we are still stuck with Bagda shrimp. Bureaucratic hurdles delayed approval for almost a decade,” said Kamrul. 500 shrimp enclosures washed away after an embankment collapsed  in Satkhira Farmers, however, still face challenges obtaining permits for Vannamei shrimp farming. Farmers in Satkhira and Bagerhat said that special approval from the Department of Fisheries is required, which is a lengthy process, preventing them from taking advantage of this profitable crop. “Vannamei shrimp farming requires compliance with multiple guidelines. While it can yield 30–50 percent profit, high initial investment deters common farmers,” said Awal Haque, a shrimp farmer from Shyamnagar, Satkhira. Seafood manufacturers say they are ready to enter contract farming with shrimp farmers once Vannamei cultivation starts, which would reduce costs for farmers and ensure profits for companies. BFFEA Senior Vice President Tariqul Islam Zaheer emphasized that adequate preparation is essential before starting Vannamei shrimp exports. “Initial investment exceeds BDT 2 million. If farmers are not properly trained, starting Vannamei cultivation could backfire. Training is needed for pond preparation and shrimp rearing practices,” he said. Zaheer also highlighted old challenges in shrimp farming, noting that despite being a large sector, farmers have no insurance, and loans for shrimp farming do not enjoy special benefits. Even with low-interest loans available for other crops, fish farmers get no similar support. Subsidies in electricity for fish farming are also absent. Faced with these difficulties, many farmers are filling ponds and moving to land-based farming, causing the fading of the once-famous “white gold” shrimp legacy. “Although exports reportedly increased, the real picture is different. The rise largely reflects higher dollar prices, not actual export volumes,” Zaheer said. BFFEA members revealed that while around 100 companies are engaged in shrimp exports, 70 have shut down due to raw material shortages. Without government support, there are fears that the sector could collapse again. Read more: Chinese Ambassador expresses interest in importing hilsa from Bangladesh Experts also stress the need for further research on the genetics of Vannamei shrimp. Unlocking the genetic potential, as done with hilsa and jute, could enable Bangladesh to produce high-quality shrimp seedlings adapted to its climate, reducing reliance on harmful antibiotics. Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Farida Akhter, told UNB that while shrimp farming has potential, Bangladesh is yet to fully benefit. The ministry is observing how countries like Vietnam and India are succeeding and will soon introduce business-friendly measures for shrimp farming. “One cannot look only at the business side; climate and environmental factors also matter. In areas like Satkhira-Bagerhat, lands have been illegally acquired for shrimp farming, increasing salinity and reducing crop yields. Scientific decisions are needed,” she said. Farida added that low-interest loans are being arranged for fish farmers. Steps have been taken to free farmers from predatory lending and restrictive enclosures, and special emphasis is being placed on subsidised electricity. BFFEA has independently prepared a research report on measures to boost shrimp farming. They will soon present their findings to the government, believing that with support, Bangladesh can revolutionize shrimp exports and reclaim its “White Gold” legacy. Read more: Shrimp: Khulna’s ‘white gold’ eyes Tk 22,600cr export goal

Once a vibrant fixture of rural Bengali culture, the traditional ‘Nabanna Utsab’, the festival celebrating the first harvest, is quietly fading from many villages across Lalmonirhat, according to local residents. With the end of the Bangla month of Hemanta and the touch of approaching winter, farmers across the district are busy harvesting Aman paddy. Golden fields still stretch across the horizon, carrying the familiar scent of new grain, yet the festive celebration that once marked this season is rarely seen nowadays. Villagers said that although the joy of harvesting remains, the communal spirit of sharing the first cooked rice from the new crop—a hallmark of the ‘Nabanna Utsab’ —has largely diminished. “We heard from our parents how festive the day used to be. People would go to each other’s houses to eat the first rice. But now we hardly see such practices,”said Saiful Islam, an SSC student from Shialkhowa village in Kaliganj upazila. Recalling the joy and celebrations of the past, 70-year-old farmer from Aditmari upazila, Shafique Mia said they were poorer 30 years ago, but the joy of the new harvest was greater. “We used to make pitha, polao and share with neighbours after offering the first rice to the imams. Now income has increased, but happiness has decreased. The young generation doesn’t even know what ‘Nabanna’ really means,” he said. Farmer Jomir Ali, drying paddy in the field, shared a similar memory. “We used to cook rice from the new crop and give the first plate to the imam of the mosque for blessings. We did doa and ate together. That tradition is almost gone now,” he said. Read more: Continuous rain flattens half-ripe paddy in Lalmonirhat, farmers worried Saleha Begum, another elderly villager, said people once respected tradition and valued togetherness.

Nearly three months have passed since the Paturia ferry ghats suffered extensive damage, yet substantial repairs have not been carried out, leaving commuters and transport workers grappling with severe difficulties. Locals blame the prolonged delay on the inaction of the local administration. Of the five ghats at the terminal, only Ghat No 3 is fully operational for vehicle crossings, while the other four are partially functional or completely closed. This has left passengers from 21 southwestern districts facing long delays, with many forced to wait for hours to cross the Padma River, locals alleged. A recent visit to the terminal revealed that Ghats No. 1 and 5 remain completely shut. Ghats No. 2 and 4 are only partially operational, while Ghat No. 3 handles almost all vehicle traffic. Ghat No. 5 has become entirely unusable, with both pontoon ramps stuck at an elevated angle, while Ghat No. 1’s ramp has detached from the ground and the approach road is heavily damaged. At Ghat No. 2, a wide gap between the pontoon ramp and the connecting road hampers vehicle movement, limiting ferry operations. Meanwhile, the front section of the low-water-level zone at Ghat No. 4 has collapsed, causing heavy vehicles to become stuck and requiring towing before others can pass. Officials explained that all five ghats were damaged in August by the strong currents of the Padma River. At the time, pontoons were moved to higher ground. However, as water levels dropped sharply, the elevated pontoons became unusable. Padma swallows Paturia terminals amid administrative standoff Erosion of the lower approach roads has made repositioning the pontoons impossible, creating a depth of around 30 to 40 feet under the pontoon that requires major reconstruction. Without significant repair work, four ghats cannot be restored. Drivers and passengers alike described long waits and mounting frustration. Shafique Mia, a driver for the Faridpur-bound ‘Golden Line Paribahan’, said, “If all ghats were functional, we wouldn’t have to wait. Now we wait one to two hours before crossing.” Farid Khan, a passenger heading to Jhenaidah on the ‘Purbaasha Paribahan’, recalled waiting nearly one and a half hours at the Paturia terminal. Truck driver Bashir Ahmed, travelling to Khulna with vehicle parts, said his truck became stuck on the approach road due to heavy load, forcing him to pay Tk 1,500 for towing. “Drivers and owners are suffering badly,” he said. Terminal staff highlighted that the lack of repair work over the past three months has caused immense hardship for passengers on the Paturia–Daulatdia route, particularly as heavy vehicles frequently get stuck while boarding or disembarking from the ferries. They urged the government to initiate urgent repairs to alleviate public suffering. Ferry services disrupted as two ghats collapse in Paturia  Abdus Salam, deputy general manager of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), noted that ferry traffic has declined due to the non-operational ghats, resulting in reduced government revenue. He said the maintenance and repair of ferry ghats fall under the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), which has received multiple letters requesting immediate repairs. BIWTA Executive Engineer Robiul Islam confirmed that the collapse of the low-water-level sections has been reported to higher authorities. “Once funds

The recent reshuffle and appointments of district commissioners (DCs) in 52 districts ahead of the national elections have sparked fresh controversies, raising concerns over neutrality, election management and administrative credibility. Experts warn that politically influenced appointments in field administration could pose risks and undermine trust in governance. Although no major financial irregularities have surfaced in the recent appointments, several civil servants perceived as beneficiaries of the Awami League government have been entrusted with crucial administrative roles, reigniting debate within the bureaucracy. Rizvi alleges govt appointing members of an Islamic party as DCs, SPs According to sources, officials who previously served as personal secretaries (PS) to ministers and secretaries under the Awami League government were among those promoted. Appointments in Kurigram and Rangpur districts have drawn criticism from senior bureaucrats, as selection committees reportedly had not recommended these officers. It is alleged that the placement of party-affiliated and controversial officers in key districts is a ‘strategy to control the electoral field’, intensifying the ongoing debate over DC appointments. Over the past week, the government reshuffled DCs in three phases. Government appoints new DCs in 23 more districts On the night of November 13, 23 new DCs were appointed through two government notifications covering nine districts in one and 14 in the other. Earlier, on November 8 and 9, the interim government appointed DCs in 15 and 14 districts respectively, though some appointments were later canceled. The latest appointments have sparked renewed criticism within the bureaucracy as seniority, experience, and recommendations from the Senior Selection Board (SSB) were allegedly overlooked. Similarly, appointments of officers with limited field experience but strong ties to Awami League have raised fears over election management and increased discontent among qualified and senior bureaucrats who were bypassed. Govt appoints new DCs in 14 more districts Several controversial appointments including those in Gazipur, Noakhali and Madaripur were later canceled amid criticism over political affiliations and past irregularities. Former secretary and public-administration expert Abdul Awal Majumder said prioritising political loyalty in DC appointments threatens the neutrality of the administration. “This poses the most serious risk. DCs serve as the chief executives of field administration during elections and the transparency and peaceful conduct of the polls depend heavily on their impartial behaviour,” he said. Dhaka, Khulna among 15 districts that get new DCs  “The Public Administration Ministry must reassess this appointment process immediately. If experienced and neutral officers are not prioritised, divisions within the administration will deepen further, ultimately harming the quality of state service,” he added.          

The government has planned to enforce major changes to Dhaka's urban governance framework, introducing strict penalties and a long-awaited legal overhaul as the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has begun the process of legitimising hundreds of thousands of unauthorised buildings across Dhaka. Breaking a decades-long stalemate, Rajuk has drafted its first-ever policy to assess and regularise structures built without approved designs. The government is also set to replace the 38-year-old Rajuk Act with a new legal instrument, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Ordinance–2025, featuring tough enforcement provisions. Urban planners say the new law and draft regularisation policy mark a significant step towards tackling Dhaka’s illegal construction, unplanned urbanisation and recurring building safety risks. But they emphasise that effective implementation, not new legislation, will prove the real challenge. Legitimising Buildings Rajuk acknowledges that a vast number of buildings within its jurisdiction have been constructed without official design approval. The new draft policy proposes bringing such buildings under regulation if they do not violate the National Building Code or Rajuk’s master plan. Read more: Rajuk to demolish 3,382 buildings in Dhaka for design violations, says chairman Owners seeking legal status will be required to pay penalties equivalent to three to five times the design approval fee. According to Rajuk sources, the draft policy has already been presented to the Urban Development Committee, which has made several recommendations. Major Reform With the long-outdated Town Improvement Act of 1953 deemed irrelevant in today’s context, the government is moving to replace it with the ordinance 2025. The new ordinance introduces provisions on Rajuk’s accountability, urban redevelopment, land readjustment and government appropriation of land value gains, among other reforms. Harsh Penalties The draft ordinance includes stringent penalties for a wide range of offences: Violating the master plan will carry up to two years’ imprisonment or a Tk 10 crore fine, or both; continued offences will incur Tk 10,000 per day. Building structures exceeding 10 feet in an open space will draw a Tk 50 lakh fine. Read more: Rajuk's law, board structure need to change to make it people-centric: Environment Adviser Filling low-lying land or obstructing natural water flow without approval will attract two years’ jail or a Tk 10 crore fine. Encroaching on roads for construction will lead to a Tk 75 lakh fine or six months’ imprisonment. Obstructing Rajuk’s work will result in four months’ jail or a Tk 10 lakh fine. Constructing a makeshift hut (kacha or kutcha structure) without permission may bring a Tk 5 lakh fine or three months’ imprisonment; continued offences will incur Tk 2,000 per day. Expert Opinions Under the new ordinance, Rajuk’s board will be expanded from five to ten members. Rajuk Chairman Riazul Islam told UNB that the final decision on the board’s composition and qualifications will be taken after consultations with professional bodies. “This will be done very soon,” he said. Professor Dr Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, said Rajuk has become overly focused on development projects instead of its core regulatory responsibilities. “Unless the bureaucratic structure is reformed, these changes will not deliver results,” he told UNB. While acknowledging the new law and policy as a ‘major step’ towards resolving Dhaka’s illegal construction and safety crisis, he reiterated that enforcement would be the real test. DAP Revision The government has also approved, in principle, the revision of the 2022 Detailed Area Plan (DAP). The updated plan reduces Dhaka’s administrative blocks from 275 to 68 and limits the city’s area to 1,094 square kilometres. Key Changes: · Increased building height and density limits (from 250 to 300). · Doubling of Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in many zones, enabling 10–11-storey construction where five storeys were previously allowed. · Lifetime validity for occupancy certificates. · Mandatory sewage treatment plants for buildings on five kathas or more. · Extension of application processing time from 45 days to 180 days. Read more: Landowners besiege Rajuk demanding cancellation of DAP