United News of Bangladesh

Sallahuddin Babu, a 47-year-old private bank official, was walking through the C Block of Banasree towards Rampura on the 31st of December when he abandoned his auto-rickshaw midway, frustrated by the unbearable traffic jam that highlighted the capital’s transformation. "Originally planned as a residential area, Banasree has seen its character transform over time. Today, the neighbourhood is overrun with schools, restaurants, hospitals and various businesses, developed haphazardly. This unplanned growth has significantly deteriorated the quality of the living environment," lamented a frustrated Sallahuddin. Experts suggest that it is not just Banasree; even prestigious areas such as Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Baridhara, and Banani have lost their residential identity. Mohammadpur and Wari, once known for their residential nature, are now congested urban areas. Few buildings in Dhaka’s residential areas are purely residential anymore. Urban planners argue that residential areas are meant to provide more than just a place to sleep. They must meet people's basic needs, be environmentally and health-conscious, and ensure that the noise and commercial activities are limited. Unfortunately, complaints from urban experts highlight the failure to maintain these essential qualities in Dhaka’s residential zones. Aminul Islam Sujon, treasurer of the Environment Save Movement (Paba), commented on this issue: "Many areas, initially developed as residential zones, have now turned into mixed-use and commercial spaces. For instance, Dhanmondi has become a mixed-use area, and it can no longer be called a purely residential area." Historically, the development of residential areas such as Uttara in the early 1980s followed a specific residential plan. Some areas, particularly those farther from main roads, are still residential, while regions like Bashundhara have seen a blend of residential and commercial developments. Gulshan, known for its upmarket character, also has areas close to main roads that have become commercial. About 3 dozen high-rise buildings in South Florida are sinking Sujon stresses that a residential area should cater to all essential aspects of daily life, including accessible food, water, sanitation, electricity, open spaces and public facilities for leisure, sports, and shopping. The key, according to him, is for these areas to maintain a balance of commercial activity without compromising the living conditions of residents. Only then can a residential area be considered complete and of high quality. Sujon, however, points out that the shortage of quality residential areas in Dhaka is becoming more pronounced, compounded by the lack of coordination between government bodies like Rajuk (Dhaka's Development Authority), city corporations, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), and other related ministries. Concern mounts as Chandpur lacks proper fire equipment amid violation of building code Adil Mohammad Khan, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), echoed similar sentiments, stressing that a "home is a sweet home," and for a place to be considered a residential area, it should offer protection from hazards such as fire and noise. The Rise of Mixed-Use and Commercial Developments Dhaka’s transformation from residential to mixed-use and commercial areas has been noted by urban planners like Professor Adil Mohammad Khan of Jahangirnagar University’s Urban and Regional Planning Department. According to him, the first planned residential area in Dhaka was Wari, followed by Dhanmondi, Banani and Gulshan. In modern times, Uttara was also planned as a residential area. Mixed-use areas, where residential, commercial, and industrial functions coexist, are a growing trend in Dhaka. Adil Khan explained that mixed-use development was once confined to areas like Motijheel and Dilkusha, but now even residential zones like Gulshan have incorporated commercial activities along major roads. This transformation is primarily driven by the growing needs of residents, he believes. He added that, traditionally, commercial activity was allowed in residential areas only for essential services such as small grocery stores or medical facilities. But the unregulated commercialisation of residential zones, particularly with the approval of high-rise buildings, has led to issues like traffic congestion, reduced living quality and even fire hazards. Over-commercialisation: A Dangerous Trend The issue of over-commercialisation in residential areas has escalated with the approval of multi-storey buildings and commercial establishments in areas like Dhanmondi, Gulshan, and Banani.