Photo: Video Screenshot

SANGSAD BHABAN, April 8, 2026 (BSS) - The "Spatial Planning Bill, 2026," was 
passed in the Jatiya Sangsad today in a bid to ensuring sustainable 
development, protecting agricultural land, and managing rapid urbanization 
across Bangladesh.

This comprehensive legal framework bill, placed and moved by Housing and 
Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, seeks to replace the "Spatial Planning 
Ordinance, 2025" and thus establish a structured hierarchy for land use and 
infrastructure development.

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 optimization.

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 BUET and professional institutes like the 
Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP).

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 goes tough against unplanned construction. According to the draft:

No individual or organization can undertake any activity that contradicts the 
approved spatial plans.

Authorities are empowered to halt illegal projects and demolish unauthorized 
structures.
Violators may face up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Taka 20 
lakh, or both.

Offenses under this law will be triable through mobile courts under the 
Mobile Court Act, 2009.

In the objective of the Bill, the Minister said that the bill highlights that 
rapid urbanization 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 prioritize 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.

Later, the Bill was passed by voice vote.

Meanwhile, the day's JS sitting passed a good number of bills which seek to 
transform ordinances into laws.