Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan. File Photo

DHAKA, April 23, 2025 (BSS) - Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan today said the government is determined to developing a practical and liveable Dhaka, with stronger connections to surrounding districts.

“Our goal is to build a realistic Dhaka —not an imagination. We're actively working to improve connectivity with the districts neighbouring the capital,” he said while exchanging views with the RAJUK officials at the RAJUK Auditorium in the capital, said a press release.

Adilur Rahman Khan said the first major step after taking charge of the ministry in the interim government was to abolish quotas in land allocation, a move that has already been implemented.

“Our priority objective is to develop Dhaka in a functional way so people from across the country can come, complete their tasks efficiently, and return home on the same day,” he added.

Mentioning that Madhupur Bhawal was once a forest area near Dhaka, but urbanization led to its destruction, he said “unplanned development must be discarded and RAJUK has a crucial role in ensuring that.” 

He stressed the need for participation of local community’s involvement for effective urban development, saying “we must listen to the people to understand what changes are truly needed. RAJUK is now working with this mindset.”

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Housing and Public Works Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam and RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam were also present at the meeting. 

Speaking on the occasion, Syeda Rizwana Hasan called for a complete overhaul of existing urban development laws. “The Town Improvement Act and the Building Construction Act are needed to be formulated newly, while RAJUK has to be made people-oriented and relevant to present needs,” she said.

Mentioning that RAJUK board should not be limited to bureaucrats only, she emphasized for inclusion of urban planning experts and a dedicated working group. 

Additionally, the authority to convert residential areas into commercial zones should not rest with the RAJUK chairman alone, she said, adding, such decisions should align with the master plan and be made collectively by the board.

Md. Nazrul Islam pledged full support to RAJUK, noting, “If we work together, the quality of RAJUK’s services will improve significantly.”

Engineer Md. Riazul Islam acknowledged the organization’s image crisis, saying “our officials must serve with honesty and efficiency.” 

“RAJUK will no longer allocate new plots —instead, we will reclaim illegally occupied lands and focus on building flats for low- and lower-middle-income groups,” he added.

RAJUK member (administration and finance) Dr Md Alam Mostafa delivered the welcome address, while Chief Urban Planner Md. Ashraful Islam presented RAJUK's overall activities. 

RAJUK officials at various levels highlighted RAJUK's ongoing activities, work plans, exit plans of completed projects and hindrances in the work.