RAJUK Ordinance 2025 Approved; National Building Authority Proposed

The government today approved the draft of the RAJUK Ordinance 2025, a significant legal update aimed at modernizing urban planning and addressing current construction challenges.

The Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, formally approved the draft of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Ordinance 2025.

The ordinance was deemed necessary because the existing RAJUK law is insufficient to handle the rapid expansion of RAJUK's jurisdiction and current operational responsibilities.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus directed the Housing and Public Works ministry to explore creating a separate, nationwide authority responsible for approving all building and construction works across the whole of Bangladesh. This directive stems from the concern that RAJUK's current authority is limited only to its designated jurisdiction.

Prof. Yunus raised serious concerns over the spread of unsafe construction practices across the country, including in villages, noting that multi-storey buildings are being built without confirmation they adhere to the Bangladesh National Building Code, despite earthquake and fire hazards.

The Council of Advisers stressed the importance of strictly abiding by construction rules and fire safety measures for all buildings.

New Ordinance Features are to introduce new provisions for redevelopment and land readjustment, Focuses on preventing the misuse of playgrounds, wetlands, and natural water bodies, a major clause permits redevelopment projects if 60 percent of landowners agree, and incorporates regulations for building construction, excavation/filling of water bodies, preventing obstruction of natural water flow, and restricting changes to the classification of parks/playgrounds.

The Chief Adviser ordered that no Union Parishad within the RAJUK area may issue any building approval. The new law introduces penalties for violating approved designs, provisions for removing "deviation-prone and dangerous structures," and bars RAJUK officials (Chairman, members, employees) from having any share or interest in RAJUK-linked contracts.