Dhaka’s Growth at the Cost of Nature and the Poor 

Dhaka’s skyline tells a story of investment and expansion, with modern apartment buildings and commercial complexes reshaping the city. But behind this real estate boom lies another reality: shrinking natural spaces, rising housing costs and low-income communities struggling to find safe and affordable homes, exposing the growing inequality and social costs of urban development.

The Global Livability Index 2019 ranked Dhaka as the third least liveable city, while the World Health Organization placed it fourth among cities with the worst air quality. Weak governance and poor enforcement of urban planning rules continue to threaten the city’s sustainability. The benefits of development often favour wealthier groups, while low-income communities face growing hardship.

The Constitution of Bangladesh provides a foundation for environmentally responsible urban development. Article 18A directs the state to protect and improve the environment and preserve natural resources, biodiversity and wetlands. Article 19(2) calls for measures to reduce social and economic inequality, while Articles 31 and 32 protect lawful treatment and the right to life and personal liberty.

Although Article 18A is a fundamental principle of state policy rather than an independently enforceable fundamental right, environmental principles can inform the interpretation of the right to life. In Dr Mohiuddin Farooque v Bangladesh, the Supreme Court strengthened the scope for public-interest environmental litigation by recognising standing in environmental matters.

Bangladesh has several laws governing urban development and environmental protection. The Town Improvement Act 1953 provides a framework for urban improvement, while the Real Estate Development and Management Act 2010 regulates developers’ and purchasers’ rights and responsibilities. The Building Construction Act 1952 and Bangladesh National Building Code 2020 address construction and building safety.

The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995 provides a framework for environmental protection and pollution control. The Natural Water Bodies, Open Space, Parks and Playgrounds (Preservation) Act 2000 protects designated water bodies and public spaces from unlawful changes.

However, the existence of laws does not guarantee effective protection. Weak monitoring, poor coordination, unauthorised land filling and inadequate enforcement can undermine these safeguards. Land acquisition and urban expansion can also place working-class and marginalised communities at risk of losing their homes and livelihoods.

Dhaka’s wetlands, canals, retention ponds and flood-flow zones help manage rainwater, support biodiversity and reduce flood risks.

Their destruction for residential and commercial projects can worsen waterlogging and impose environmental costs on surrounding communities.

The Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022-2035 provides a framework for land use, infrastructure and environmental protection in relevant planning areas. But its effectiveness depends on compliance with applicable restrictions and action against violations. Environmental assessments, where legally required, should examine the effects of projects on drainage, water resources and nearby communities.

Housing affordability is another major challenge. High land prices and speculative markets have made homes increasingly difficult to afford for many middle- and working-class families. Low-income residents often live in overcrowded, informal settlements with insecure tenure, inadequate sanitation and exposure to floods and other environmental hazards.

Displacement can deepen these problems. Residents who lose their homes may also lose their livelihoods, social networks and access to essential services. Research on Dhaka’s real estate sector identifies cases of agricultural households being displaced by urban expansion without adequate compensation or rehabilitation. Evictions linked to development pressures can also undermine the livelihoods of the urban poor.

Authorities should ensure lawful land acquisition, fair compensation, meaningful consultation and appropriate resettlement where displacement is unavoidable. Affordable housing and improved services in underserved neighbourhoods must become central priorities of urban planning.

Stronger coordination among RAJUK, environmental authorities and other agencies responsible for housing, construction and urban services is essential. Planning permissions, environmental clearances and approved land-use plans should be publicly accessible.

Developers who violate the law should face appropriate enforcement, while public officials must be accountable for failures to implement regulations.

Public participation should also be strengthened before major projects are approved, especially when wetlands, public spaces or vulnerable communities are at risk.

Real estate investment remains important to Dhaka’s growth, but it must protect natural resources and promote safe, affordable housing. Environmental protection, housing security and social inclusion should be central responsibilities of urban governance, not obstacles to commercial progress.

A sustainable Dhaka must serve its residents fairly rather than allowing environmental damage and displacement to fall disproportionately on those with the least power.