DAP Map of Dhaka City – Detailed Area Plan (DAP) by RAJUK

Dhaka, one of the world’s most crowded cities, urgently needed a detailed area plan (DAP) to balance growth, sustainability & living standard. The RAJUK DAP Map of Dhaka City is a 2016-2035 initiative for Bangladesh’s urban land.

What is the DAP Map of Dhaka City? An Overview

The Detailed Area Plan (DAP) is a strategic plan prepared by RAJUK (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha) to manage Dhaka’s rapid urbanization. Covering 1,528 sq km and extending beyond central Dhaka into Narayanganj, Gazipur and Keraniganj, the plan guides how land will be used for housing, business and civic infrastructure up to 2035.

Quick Data Before Starting

Population density: Over 23,234 people per sq km (2024 estimate).
Migration: Dhaka absorbs 400,000+ new residents every year.
Urban coverage: 60% of newcomers settle in unplanned areas.

Why this matters: Without a systematic plan, Dhaka risks its housing, flood flow zones, and transportation systems.

For property seekers, this also defines which areas are safer for long-term investment. If you’re exploring residential plots in Dhaka, check opportunities through GLG Assets for updated listings.

Why the DAP Map is Important for Dhaka’s Urban Development?

Dhaka’s growth is both a blessing and a challenge. This city contributes over 40% of Bangladesh’s GDP,and unregulated expansion causes,

Traffic congestion of 3.2 million working hours daily (World Bank).
Flooding risks
Overcrowding in Central Dhaka nearly doubled in 20 years.

The DAP Map shares these,

Zoning areas for residential, commercial, and mixed-use development. Reserving flood flow protection zones to reduce waterlogging. Promoting urban decentralization in Dhaka, shifting growth to Narayanganj, Keraniganj and Gazipur.

Analytical Insight: Cities like Bangkok and Jakarta faced similar challenges. Both introduced master plans with strict zoning. Dhaka’s new DAP (2016-2035) is stricter in regulation, a stronger chance of success if implemented.

From an investor’s perspective, planned zones create value stability. Properties in defined residential areas under RAJUK supervision have no chance of facing legal issues.

Main Objectives of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP Map)

The RAJUK DAP Map of Dhaka City shares several objectives for sustainable growth,

Urban decentralization shifts business and housing outside central Dhaka.
Flood flow protection by natural canals, rivers, and wetlands.
Planned housing & affordable apartments and flats for middle-income families.
Infrastructure upgrades, such as new roads, drainage systems, and many more.
Environmental sustainability by preserving forest zones in Gazipur and protecting open spaces.
Legal framework with clear DAP regulations to reduce unauthorized land development.

Table of DAP Objectives vs Expected Benefits

Objective	Expected Benefit by 2035
Decentralization of Dhaka	Reduced jam & unplanned building in central Dhaka, new hubs will be in Narayanganj & Gazipur
Flood flow protection	Lower flood damage costs, improved drainage systems
Affordable housing (flats)	25% increase in affordable housing supply
Community facilities development	Better schools, hospitals, parks in planned areas
Environmental sustainability	Preservation of wetlands & forests for ecological balance

Coverage Area & Which Zones are Included in DAP Dhaka Map

The DAP Dhaka Map covers an area of 1,528 sq km, expanding far beyond central Dhaka. Instead of focusing only on the capital’s overcrowded districts, the plan stretches into the surroundings for a wider urban landscape.

Zones Covered by DAP (2016-2035):

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) a major focus on residential housing.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Restoration of Old Dhaka and cultural zones.
Gazipur, Industrial and forest zones.
Narayanganj, Riverfront industrial expansion.
Keraniganj, a Residential decentralization hub.

Table of DAP Coverage Zones & Features

Zone	Area (sq km)	Key Development Purpose
Dhaka North (DNCC)	197	New residential plots, housing, civic amenities
Dhaka South (DSCC)	229	Heritage protection, compact apartments, redevelopment
Gazipur	493	Industrial growth, forest conservation, planned housing
Narayanganj	276	Riverfront industries, mixed residential & commercial
Keraniganj	333	Decentralized housing, new township projects

Source: RAJUK – Draft DAP 2016-2035

For investors, this means new opportunities out of Dhaka. If you’re considering property in Keraniganj or Gazipur, GLG Assets has listings on affordable residential plots in Bangladesh that align with these development zones.

Major Benefits of the DAP for Dhaka

The Detailed Area Plan (DAP Map of Dhaka City) provides a structured solution of unplanned growth. Its benefits are multi-dimensional on housing, economy, and sustainability.

New business hubs in Gazipur & Narayanganj reduce pressure on Motijheel and Gulshan.

Flood Flow Protection, 13% of land is reserved as flood flow zones, protecting canals and rivers. Forests in Gazipur and wetlands are preserved as eco-sensitive zones.

Affordable Housing, RAJUK developed projects aim to add 200,000+ flats by 2035. You can also check GLG Assets Projects. Schools, health facilities, and parks are planned into zoning.

Wider access roads, drainage systems, and integration with the metro rail.

Analytical Insight: According to the Ministry of Housing & Public Works, over 60% of Dhaka’s land was previously unplanned. With DAP, systematic planning will raise property values in legal residential areas by 15-20% in the next decade.

GLG Assets already tracks the real estate trends in Dhaka, helping you to identify high-return areas under RAJUK’s new DAP regulations.

Impact of the DAP on Dhaka’s Real Estate Sector

Perhaps the most significant impact of the DAP Map will be on real estate investment and housing demand.

Before vs After DAP

Before DAP (Pre-2022): Scattered development, unregulated land sales, frequent issues. Average land price growth, 6-7% annually.

After DAP Implementation (2022 onward): Legal clarity on plots & zones → safer investments. Projected land price growth, 10-12% annually in regulated zones.

Impacts on the Market

Residential Plots & Flats: More affordable apartments. DAP requires private developers to allocate 10-15% flats as affordable housing. Rising demand in Narayanganj and Keraniganj for middle-class housing.

Commercial Plots: New business clusters in Gazipur & Narayanganj. Encouragement of mixed-use development (shopping, offices, housing combined).

Legal & Regulatory Safeguards: Landowners must follow DAP regulations; unapproved projects face penalties. Investors get stronger legal assurance when buying in RAJUK-approved zones.

Forecast to 2035: Dhaka’s housing demand is forecasted to be 2.5 million units. DAP implementation will supply ~35% of this demand through regulated expansion.

Table of Real Estate Forecast Under DAP

Category	2022 Status	2035 Projection (DAP Goal)
Housing demand	1.7 million units	2.5 million units
Affordable flats	0.3 million units	0.9 million units (200% increase)
Flood flow protection	Weak enforcement	13% land is under strict protection
Legal disputes	High (frequent land issues)	Decline due to zoning clarity

Final Word of DAP Map of Dhaka City

The Detailed Area Plan (DAP Map of Dhaka City) is the backbone of urban planning for the capital of Bangladesh until 2035. By addressing critical issues such as decentralization, flood flow protection, affordable flats, and systematic zoning, RAJUK has built a roadmap that will solve Dhaka’s economic, social, and environmental future.

Not as like past master plans that lacked proper implementation, the new DAP is legally binding and backed by stronger enforcement mechanisms. With systematic planning and urban decentralization in Dhaka, growth is no longer restricted to Motijheel, Gulshan, or Old Dhaka.

Forecast to 2035

5 million new housing units needed.
13% of the total land is safeguarded for flood flow protection.
Legal disputes are expected to drop by 40% due to zoning clarity.

By integrating civic amenities, access roads, and drainage systems, the plan also focuses on socio-economic aspects of urban life. This makes the DAP not only a real estate framework but also a sustainable city model.

Role for Investors & Citizens

For investors, this is the perfect time to explore residential plots and commercial plots in Dhaka. Buying property in RAJUK is a safe investment for long-term stability and growth.

Visitors searching for options can browse GLG Assets for curated land and apartment investment opportunities that follow & work with DAP’s strategic vision.

For citizens, the plan offers,

More affordable flats.
Better living conditions.
Reduced flooding risks.
Stronger socio-economic balance in the metropolis.

Conclusion

The DAP Map of Dhaka City is not just a map of zones; it is a blueprint for the future of Bangladesh’s capital. By 2035, if implemented with discipline, Dhaka will transform into a city that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Whether you are a tenant, landowner,r or investor, understanding the RAJUK Detailed Area Plan is a must for making informed decisions.

The vision is clear: a sustainable, decentralized, and planned Dhaka that can support its people for generations to come.

FAQs

What is the DAP Map of Dhaka City?

It is RAJUK’s Detailed Area Plan (2016-2035) guiding Dhaka’s urban growth, zoning and flood flow protections.

How does RAJUK’s Detailed Area Plan affect real estate?

It creates safer investments by zoning land use, boosting residential and commercial property growth.

Which areas are included in Dhaka’s DAP coverage?

The DAP covers 1,528 sq km in Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Narayanganj, Gazipur and Keraniganj.

Why is decentralization important for Dhaka’s urban planning?

It reduces pressure on central Dhaka by shifting growth to new hubs like Keraniganj and Narayanganj.