Architects call for immediate suspension, reform of DAP

The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) has called for the immediate suspension and revision of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022-2035 implemented by the Capital Development Authority.

During a discussion titled "Expectations of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh from the interim government in public interest" at the National Press Club today (2 September), the organisation claimed legal loopholes in implementing the DAP, discriminatory policies, as well as lack of transparency in its formulation.

It also mentioned the DAP's scope for destruction of water bodies and agriculture, and increased scope for corruption in design approval.

In a written statement, IAB Vice President Professor Mohammad Ali Naqi noted that under the current DAP, the projected population for the year 2035 is 2.35 crore in existing urban areas across 722 square kilometres. This area also covers employment, social and physical infrastructures.

Whereas, as per the IAB, the projected population for the year 2035 is 2.6 crore in urban areas across 1,528 square kilometres.

In other words, the 25 lakh people across ​​806 square kilometres have been excluded from the existing municipal area where there is no employment, social and physical infrastructure.

The statement also said the Dhaka Structure Plan was formulated in 2016 before the DAP, but no gazette was issued. Later in 2022, a gazette for the DAP was issued. So, this DAP was made through an illegal process.

The IAB demanded restructuring Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK).

Also present on the occasion, IAB Khandkar Sabbir Ahmed said 66% of Dhaka's area planning was done informally or by RAJUK, in a haphazard way.