Cabinet approves draft of Bogura Development Authority Act, 2026

The Cabinet today, Thursday, gave in-principle and final approval to the draft of the ‘Bogura Development Authority Act, 2026’, aiming to ensure planned, sustainable and disaster-resilient urban development in Bogura and its adjoining areas.

The approval came from the 14th meeting of the Cabinet held today at the cabinet division in the Bangladesh Secretariat here, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair.

The draft law was placed by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.

According to the summary of the proposed law, the legislation has been formulated to establish a planned modern city encompassing Bogura and its surrounding areas by maintaining the region's geo-natural environment and ecological balance, preventing unplanned urbanisation, ensuring disaster-resilient urban management, promoting the information technology and tourism industries, and with the ultimate objective of ensuring an improved civic life.

Under the proposed law, a statutory body titled the ‘Bogura Development Authority’ will be formed comprising a chairman, full-time members and representatives from different government agencies to oversee planned urban development in Bogura City Corporation and adjacent areas.

The authority will prepare a phased planning framework ranging from a master plan to development projects and local area plans through statutory procedures, including public hearings and prior publication.

No construction or development project will be allowed without clearance from the authority.

The draft law also incorporates strict environmental provisions to protect rivers, canals, water bodies, playgrounds and open spaces.

It introduces modern land management mechanisms, including Land Readjustment, requiring the consent of at least 60 percent of landowners, and Land Redevelopment to facilitate planned urban expansion.

The proposed law also provides for imprisonment and fines for offences such as unauthorised construction and illegal filling of water bodies. It contains provisions for establishing the authority's own fund, imposing development fees, borrowing funds and conducting audits.

The Cabinet gave final approval to the draft law subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.