Luxurious Government Housing Project in Dhaka Resembles a Five-Star Hotel

A newly constructed lavish residential complex for government officials in Dhaka’s new office district appears to rival five-star hotels in developed countries. Spanning four distinct zones, this expansive project comprises 1,512 flats equipped with modern amenities including schools, colleges, mosques, shopping malls, lakeside plazas, bridges, play zones, and a community centre featuring a rooftop swimming pool.

The interiors boast elegant fittings such as sophisticated kitchens, cabinets, wall wardrobes, and false ceilings, presenting an impressive standard of luxury. With an estimated budget nearing BDT 4,000 crore, the project invests heavily in every square metre of roadway. Security systems, solar-powered street lighting, closed drainage, and advanced water supply infrastructure will be integrated, portraying a premium image of government housing in Dhaka.

Project Overview and Costs

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• Buildings by flat size and number:
  • 1 building with 2,500 sq.ft flats: 13,050 sq.m
  • 11 buildings with 1,800 sq.ft flats: 130,495 sq.m
  • 11 buildings with 1,500 sq.ft flats: 116,719 sq.m
  • 20 buildings with 1,250 sq.ft flats: 200,502 sq.m
• Community facilities:
  • Four 3-storey facility buildings in Zone 4: 10,873.47 sq.m
  • Six-storey complex with school, college, mosque, shopping mall, community centre (5 buildings): 43,573 sq.m
  • 10-storey dormitory for Public Works staff: 16,514 sq.m

Additional Infrastructure and Features

• Segregation walls dividing the four residential zones (A, B, C, D) to enhance privacy.
• Bridges designed to reduce traffic congestion.
• Advanced security systems, including CCTV, controlled access, and solar streetlights.
• Underground sewage and drainage systems.
• Concealed telecommunications and internet lines.
• High-quality lifts and fire safety installations.
• Dual basement parking in each residential building.
• Recreational facilities such as play zones for children.
• Lakeside walkways and boathouses.

Major Cost Components

Expert Opinions

Mohammad Parvez Khadem Kalbela, Additional Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, assured that the project implementation will proceed smoothly, adhering to the set budget and timelines.

Dr Akhtar Mahmud, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at Jahangirnagar University, expressed concerns over the project’s high cost for 1,512 families on 43 acres. He emphasized that such projects must incorporate health and other essential services; otherwise, negative impacts will affect surrounding areas. Furthermore, he highlighted that the National Housing Policy focuses on housing for lower-income groups, but funds are being directed to government officials’ housing instead.

This project sets a new standard for government housing in Dhaka, blending luxury with comprehensive urban planning, but it also raises questions about resource allocation and priorities in national housing policy.

Source: Kalbela