Dhaka Approves Major Vertical Expansion, Raising FAR by Up to 4.4
The authorities in Dhaka have approved a significant increase in the floor area ratio for buildings, allowing for greater vertical expansion across the city. This decision, made barely two years after the official notification of the detailed area plan, has raised concerns among urban planners and residents alike.
The revision, approved by the government, increases the floor area ratio in different areas of Dhaka by up to 4.4. This means developers and landowners can now construct much taller buildings, with the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community involved in the process. However, this prioritisation of vertical expansion does not address the horizontal shortage, potentially pushing more people into already strained neighbourhoods.
Urban planners have repeatedly highlighted the failure of authorities to implement the core objectives of the detailed area plan. The latest revision, coming just a year after its previous amendment, has raised fears about the impact on Dhaka's infrastructure and environment. With a population density already five times the maximum recommended by the United Nations, the increase in population density risks exacerbating Dhaka's chronic civic and environmental problems, such as traffic congestion, water stagnation, and the degradation of open and green spaces. The city's drainage system, transport network, and environmental assets are under severe threat due to unplanned development.
The recent decision to raise the floor area ratio in Dhaka has sparked concern about the city's ability to cope with increased world population density. With a population already far exceeding recommended limits, the potential strain on infrastructure and the environment could worsen. It remains to be seen how the authorities will address these issues in the face of continued urban expansion.
