Real estate developers, architects want repeal of revised DAP; planners warn of disastrous consequences

The debate over the recently revised Detailed Area Plan (DAP) has escalated, with real estate developers and architects demanding its repeal, citing discriminatory provisions. On the other hand, urban planners are warning that cancelling or suspending the DAP under pressure from vested interests would be a "suicidal" decision for Dhaka city.

Real estate developers and architects have voiced strong opposition to the revised DAP, labeling it as discriminatory. Last week, they held a press conference where they argued that the plan should be either repealed or, at the very least, temporarily suspended. 

However, urban planners countered that such a move would plunge Dhaka into further chaos. Dhaka's livability is already at rock bottom, they said, adding that reverting to previous regulations would only invite unregulated construction and disorder.

Prof Dr Adil Mohammed Khan, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), in an interview with UNB highlighted the pressures faced by the authorities, noting that a group of developers and architects had pushed for their demands during a recent technical committee meeting on the revised DAP at RAJUK, the capital's development authority. 

"It's unfortunate that these groups are trying to impose their will on the planning process," he remarked.

He emphasised that while any master plan may have flaws, these should be corrected through proper technical channels rather than succumbing to external pressures. 

"A certain group is determined to abolish the DAP for their own interests, but we cannot allow this to happen," Prof Adil said firmly.

The Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), representing the developers, has been vocal about the negative impact of the DAP on the housing sector. 

At a press conference on 21 August, REHAB claimed that the plan has brought the housing industry to a standstill, warning that the crisis will worsen in the coming year. They argued that the DAP, described as "discriminatory and flawed," would lead to the rapid reduction of wetlands and agricultural land, ultimately harming future generations. 

REHAB further warned that if the DAP is not repealed, nearly 40 lakh people employed in the housing sector could lose their jobs. They called for a return to the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules of 2008 and the 2010 Master Plan to ensure the continued approval of building designs.

In a similar vein, the Bangladesh Institute of Architects (BIA) held a press conference last week, demanding the DAP's cancellation. They claimed that the plan was drafted in violation of the country's existing urban planning laws and that it lacked transparency. 

The BIA also noted that their repeated requests for the data and working papers used to draft the plan were ignored, raising concerns about the process's integrity.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) expressed serious concerns about the developers' push to cancel the DAP. 

In a virtual press conference, IPD representatives stressed the importance of proper urban planning for creating a livable city for all. It's alarming that business interests are trying to derail planned development, an IPD spokesperson said. 

They warned that repealing the DAP would further endanger Dhaka's livability, urging the interim government and relevant urban bodies to take necessary measures to prevent vested interests from obstructing sustainable urban development.

The DAP (2022-2035) was approved on 23 August 2022, but faced immediate opposition from developers, leading to its revision in September 2023. Despite the pressures, urban planners continue to advocate for maintaining and refining the DAP to ensure the city's long-term sustainability. 

RAJUK, the authority responsible for urban development in Dhaka, has initiated the revision process and held meetings with stakeholders. 

RAJUK Chairman Major General (Retd) Siddiqur Rahman told UNB that repealing or suspending the existing DAP would not be a good decision. 

"We've already started working on revisions, and we are striving to make changes that satisfy all parties involved. It's important that everyone understands the need for these measures," he added.