DAP amendment approved, building height limits raised
Provisions have been updated and harmonised to control deviations in building design.
The advisory committee reviewing Dhaka's Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022–2035 has given policy approval, along with several amendment proposals, raising the maximum building height in almost all areas of the capital.
The meeting of the advisory committee on DAP implementation monitoring and amendment recommendations – prepared by Rajuk – was held today (19 October) at the housing and public works ministry, chaired by land ministry adviser Ali Imam Majumder. The ministry said the updated DAP (2022–2035) will soon be published as a gazette.
After reviewing issues related to floor area ratio (FAR), population density, flood flow zones, and agricultural land conservation, the committee approved amendments prioritising environmental sensitivity. Under the amendments, FAR and population density will increase in almost all areas under Rajuk's jurisdiction.
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In the existing DAP (2022–2035), limited urban service facilities were allowed on agricultural land, but this provision has been revoked in the latest amendments. Also, the previously separate categories of "main water flow" and "general water flow" have now been merged under the single term "flood flow zone," where all kinds of construction will be prohibited.
To encourage Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), regeneration, and block-based urban growth, FAR incentives have been recommended.
The amendments also align the Bangladesh National Building Code (2020) with DAP (2022–2035) to modernise construction rules in line with rapid urban development. Provisions have been updated and harmonised to control deviations in building design – such as excess void space, setbacks, land coverage, and population density. Disaster resilience has also been addressed by requiring both structural and architectural design approvals before construction.
To reduce public harassment, approvals will no longer be required for special or large-scale projects once construction recommendations are received; approval fees must then be submitted. A sewerage treatment plant (STP) has been made mandatory for plots of five kathas or more. The amendments also introduce green building incentives and the formation of an appeals committee.
The meeting was attended by power, energy and mineral resources ministry adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, environment, forest and climate change ministry adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and housing and public works ministry adviser Adilur Rahman Khan.
Earlier, on 19 March 2025, the DAP review advisory committee had instructed further scrutiny of the proposed amendments. Following that directive, Rajuk and the ministry held around 35 meetings with various stakeholders before presenting the final draft at today's meeting.
