Ministry refutes report on cost of 21-storey secretariat building

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works on Sunday refuted a report published in a newspaper, Prothom Alo, titled "21-storey building to be built at Secretariat at a cost of Taka 53,000 per square metre," describing it as misleading and based on incomplete information.

In a statement, the ministry said the report came to its notice recently and created confusion among the public due to the inaccurate presentation of project details.

According to the ministry, there are currently 12 buildings at the Bangladesh Secretariat constructed between 1939 and 2025. In response to the growing number of ministries and increasing demand for office space, a modernisation programme is underway under a new master plan to address shortages of office accommodation and parking facilities.

As part of the initiative, a new building is planned in place of Building No. 1, originally constructed in 1939, which is now 87 years old and vulnerable to earthquakes.

The ministry said the existing structure is not capable of withstanding an earthquake of magnitude 6 on the Richter scale. Construction of the proposed building is expected to ease space constraints for officials and staff.

Clarifying the project cost, the ministry said the proposed 21-storey building will include four basements and an underground water reservoir.

Excluding basement costs, VAT, income tax and profit margins, the construction cost stands at Taka 3,500.86 per square feet, while the basement portion alone will cost Taka 759.65 per square feet.

It said the published report calculated the cost in square metres, which led to a misinterpretation. The ministry also noted that the building is designed as a high-rise structure with each floor having a height of 13.5 feet and equipped with modern facilities.

These include advanced fire safety systems, solar panels, central air conditioning, heat-insulating low-E glass, rainwater harvesting system, modern facade lighting, car parking, and safe drinking water booth on every floor, among other facilities.

Considering all aspects, the ministry said the project cost is reasonable and justified.

The ministry also urged media outlets to refrain from publishing incomplete or misleading reports in the future, saying such information can create unnecessary confusion among the public.