The "Spatial Planning Bill, 2026" was passed in Parliament on Wednesday aimed at ensuring sustainable development, protecting agricultural land, and managing rapid urbanisation across Bangladesh.
A comprehensive legal framework bill, placed and moved by Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, seeks to replace the "Spatial Planning Ordinance, 2025" and establish a structured hierarchy for land use and infrastructure development.
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The proposed law introduces three distinct levels of spatial planning to ensure every inch of the country is developed under a strategic vision. These are –
National Spatial Plan (NSP): A long-term strategic document for the entire country reflecting socio-economic goals and resource optimisation.
Regional Spatial Plan (RSP): Mid-term strategic frameworks for specific administrative divisions or unique geographical regions like the Haor, coastal belts, or hilly tracts.
Local Spatial Plan (LSP): Detailed, actionable plans, including Structure Plans and Detailed Area Plans (DAP), for specific jurisdictions under local authorities.
To oversee the implementation, the bill proposes the formation of the National Spatial Planning Council, headed by the Minister of Housing and Public Works.
The council will include secretaries from nearly 20 ministries, mayors of city corporations, and experts from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and professional institutes like the Bangladesh Institute of Planners.
Additionally, an Inter-Ministerial Committee and District Committees (led by Deputy Commissioners) will be formed to monitor progress and resolve inconsistencies between various government departmental schemes.
The bill takes a hard line against unplanned construction. According to the draft, no individual or organisation can undertake any activity that contradicts the approved spatial plans.
Authorities are empowered to halt illegal projects and demolish unauthorised structures.
Violators may face up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 20 lakh, or both.
Offences under this law will be triable through mobile courts under the Mobile Court Act, 2009.
In the objective of the bill, the minister said the bill highlights that rapid urbanisation has led to high population density in cities, causing the loss of valuable agricultural land and biodiversity.
The new law mandates that all spatial planning must prioritise health protection, environmental balance, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It also requires specific rehabilitation plans for those displaced by land acquisition processes.
Before final approval, all draft plans must be published on ministry websites and in national dailies for public review. A mandatory 30-day public hearing process will be held to address objections and suggestions from citizens.