Can Rajuk’s Tk5,258cr Plan Finally Transform Old Dhaka?

Old Dhaka the capital’s historic but overcrowded heart, is set for a massive transformation. Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has proposed a Tk5,258 crore revitalisation project covering 6,500 acres across Wards 24 to 61. The ambitious plan aims to replace dilapidated buildings with modern social housing while dedicating 60% of the land to open spaces, wider roads, and green zones.

Scheduled to run from July 2027 to June 2030, the initiative seeks to solve chronic safety issues. Most structures in the area were built without modern safety codes, leaving residents highly vulnerable to fires and earthquakes. The blueprint also includes restored water bodies, communal parking, and an art museum to preserve the area’s Mughal and colonial heritage.

However, significant hurdles remain. Urban experts point to land tenure as a major roadblock, as many properties lack formal ownership documents due to generations of unregistered inheritance. To address this, Rajuk will first conduct a three-year study and a pilot project to build public confidence.

The project’s success hinges on two factors foreign funding and local consent. Rajuk is seeking development partners like the World Bank or Jica, but officials stress that redevelopment will only proceed if local property owners agree to pool their land. If successful, this model could provide four times more usable space than currently exists