RAJUK Proposes Minimum Plot Price Dhaka

The Capital Development Authority, RAJUK, has proposed a substantial increase in the minimum prices of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial plots across Dhaka, particularly in the rapidly expanding area of Purbachal. Where the price per katha was previously BDT 200,000 in Purbachal, the new recommendation sets it at BDT 5,000,000. Similarly, in Uttara, plot prices have been proposed to rise from BDT 600,000 to BDT 7,500,000 per katha.

These proposals were approved at RAJUK’s board meeting on 21 January and have now been forwarded to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works for final approval. If implemented, all new plot allocations will follow the revised rates, and registration fees will be calculated based on these higher valuations. It is noteworthy that the last revision of plot prices occurred in 2007.

Urban planners have raised concerns about RAJUK’s approach, questioning whether the authority is prioritising planned urban development or engaging in plot pricing that mirrors a commercial enterprise. Historically, RAJUK determined residential plot prices by combining land acquisition costs with development expenses, while other categories were priced higher. In practice, plots are often resold at significantly higher prices, with the government losing considerable revenue as lease deeds are executed at the previously fixed rates.

Proposed Plot Prices by Area and Size

Commercial plots are seeing substantial increases as well. In Gulshan, prices have risen from BDT 18,000,000 to BDT 100,000,000 per katha, while Banani plots have been proposed at BDT 25,000,000. Industrial plot rates in Shyampur, Postogola, and Jurain have surged from BDT 800,000 to BDT 7,500,000. Institutional plots have also doubled to quadrupled in value depending on the location.

Residential apartment rates are following a similar trend. In Hatirjhil, prices per square foot have risen from BDT 8,000 to BDT 10,000, while in Lalmatia, Mohakhali, Dhaka, and Gulshan, prices now range between BDT 12,000 and BDT 17,500 per square foot.

RAJUK Chairman, Engr. Riazul Islam, stated that the authority aims to prevent speculative gains and ensure that unallocated plots follow the new rates once approved. Urban planners continue to emphasise that while aligning with market prices may boost government revenue, the core mandate should remain focused on creating a planned, livable city rather than treating land allocation as a commercial venture.

This revision, if approved, represents one of the largest adjustments in Dhaka’s land pricing in nearly two decades, with broad implications for the city’s real estate market, urban planning, and housing affordability.