Friday, 28 November, 2025
The government has approved the draft RAJUK Ordinance 2025, while Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed authorities to explore the creation of a separate body to oversee building and construction approvals across Bangladesh.
The Council of Advisers gave its approval to the ordinance during a meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) on Thursday in Dhaka, with Professor Yunus in the chair.
“Honourable Chief Adviser directed the Ministry of Housing and Public Works to examine the feasibility of establishing a separate authority responsible for approving buildings and construction projects nationwide,” said Shafiqul Alam, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, in a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy following the meeting.
Professor Yunus suggested the creation of a separate body because RAJUK’s jurisdiction is currently limited to designated areas, leaving much of the country, including rural regions, without proper oversight.
Highlighting concerns over unsafe construction practices, he warned that many four- or five-storey buildings are being erected without adherence to the Bangladesh National Building Code, despite the country’s vulnerability to earthquakes and fire hazards.
The Council of Advisers emphasised the need for strict compliance with construction standards and fire safety measures in all building projects.
Shafiqul Alam explained that the new RAJUK ordinance was essential, as the existing law cannot effectively address the challenges arising from RAJUK’s rapid expansion in both jurisdiction and responsibilities.
The ordinance introduces new provisions for redevelopment, land readjustment, and the protection of playgrounds, wetlands, and natural water bodies. One significant clause allows redevelopment projects to proceed if landowners representing 60 percent of the affected area agree.
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser also ordered that no Union Parishad within RAJUK’s jurisdiction may issue building approvals.
Key provisions of the ordinance include:
Regulation of building construction and excavation of water bodies
Prohibition on filling low-lying land or obstructing natural water flows
Restrictions on reclassifying playgrounds, parks, and water bodies
Penalties for constructing buildings in violation of approved designs
Authority to remove “deviation-prone and dangerous structures”
The law also bars the RAJUK chairman, members, and employees from holding any share, interest, or participation in contracts linked to RAJUK operations, aiming to curb potential conflicts of interest.
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The government has approved the draft RAJUK Ordinance 2025, while Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed authorities to explore the creation of a separate body to oversee building and construction approvals across Bangladesh.
The Council of Advisers gave its approval to the ordinance during a meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) on Thursday in Dhaka, with Professor Yunus in the chair.
“Honourable Chief Adviser directed the Ministry of Housing and Public Works to examine the feasibility of establishing a separate authority responsible for approving buildings and construction projects nationwide,” said Shafiqul Alam, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, in a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy following the meeting.
Professor Yunus suggested the creation of a separate body because RAJUK’s jurisdiction is currently limited to designated areas, leaving much of the country, including rural regions, without proper oversight.
Highlighting concerns over unsafe construction practices, he warned that many four- or five-storey buildings are being erected without adherence to the Bangladesh National Building Code, despite the country’s vulnerability to earthquakes and fire hazards.
The Council of Advisers emphasised the need for strict compliance with construction standards and fire safety measures in all building projects.
Shafiqul Alam explained that the new RAJUK ordinance was essential, as the existing law cannot effectively address the challenges arising from RAJUK’s rapid expansion in both jurisdiction and responsibilities.
The ordinance introduces new provisions for redevelopment, land readjustment, and the protection of playgrounds, wetlands, and natural water bodies. One significant clause allows redevelopment projects to proceed if landowners representing 60 percent of the affected area agree.
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser also ordered that no Union Parishad within RAJUK’s jurisdiction may issue building approvals.
Key provisions of the ordinance include:
Regulation of building construction and excavation of water bodies
Prohibition on filling low-lying land or obstructing natural water flows
Restrictions on reclassifying playgrounds, parks, and water bodies
Penalties for constructing buildings in violation of approved designs
Authority to remove “deviation-prone and dangerous structures”
The law also bars the RAJUK chairman, members, and employees from holding any share, interest, or participation in contracts linked to RAJUK operations, aiming to curb potential conflicts of interest.
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