Dhaka landowners demand reforms to' discriminatory' DAP

Landowners in Dhaka have raised serious concerns over the Dhaka Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022–2035, claiming it has created widespread inequality and financial losses for property owners.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, Professor Dr Dewan M A Sajjad, Chief Coordinator of the Dhaka City Land Owners Association, said the DAP unfairly limits building heights and floor areas.

“Where a 10-story building could previously be constructed, now only five stories or fewer are allowed. Over 200,000 landowners have been directly affected,” he stated.

Dr Sajjad warned that the DAP’s implementation disregards practical urban needs.

“A little rain could flood the city. Some groups seem to be implementing policies that could cripple Dhaka. We are ready to use vertical space responsibly and provide land for public housing and road expansion,” he said. The association also criticised media coverage.

Many reports highlight planners’ and environmental experts’ statements while ignoring the hardships faced by landowners, who are the backbone of urban development,” Dr. Sajjad noted.

The landowners’ key demands include:

1. Reverting to the Dhaka City Building Construction Rules, 2008, as a framework for DAP 2025–2035.
2. Cancelling discriminatory provisions, including FAR system manipulation and reduced units per plot. Building heights and setbacks should be reasonable and understandable.
3. Simplifying building approvals and ending harassment by RAJUK officials.
4. Including the association in all DAP-related decision-making forums. The group protested its exclusion from the Ministry meeting on August 10, 2025.

Dr Sajjad warned, “The so-called ‘death-trap DAP’ must be suspended. If the government fails to introduce a people-friendly detailed area plan under the 2008 rules, we will approach the Supreme Court and, if necessary, the International Court of Justice (ICJ).”

The press conference concluded with a call for media support to amplify the voices of affected landowners.

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