Purbachal New Town Project

Purbachal New Town Project (Bengali: পূর্বাচল নতুন শহর প্রকল্প) or formerly Purbachal Residential Model Town is the biggest planned township in Bangladesh. The project area consists of about 6,213 acres (25.14 km²) land located between the Shitalakshya and the Balu rivers at Rupganj thana of Narayanganj district and at Kaliganj thana of Gazipur district, in the northeastern side of Dhaka. The township is linked with a fourteen-lane expressway from the Airport Road-Progati Sarani intersection in Dhaka. The plan includes the provision of approximately 26,000 residential plots of various sizes and 62,000 apartments, complete with essential infrastructure and urban amenities.^[3]

Purbachal পূর্বাচল
Neighbourhood
Central district plan of Purbachal
Expandable map of Purbachal
Purbachal Location of Purbachal within Dhaka Show map of Dhaka Purbachal Location of Purbachal within Dhaka Division Show map of Dhaka division Purbachal Location of Purbachal within Bangladesh Show map of Bangladesh
Coordinates: 23°51′23″N 90°30′11″E
Country	Bangladesh
Division	Dhaka Division
District	Dhaka District
City Corporation	Dhaka North City Corporation
Area
• Total	25.14 km2 (9.71 sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+6 (Bangladesh Time)
Postal Code	1460[1]
Area code	02[2]

In 2022, a central business district was announced to be constructed at Purbachal. Covering an area of 114 acres, its key attraction is the Bangabandhu Tri-Tower, a collection of three skyscrapers called Language Tower, Liberation Tower, and Legacy Tower, which will offer upscale real estate tailored to the requirements of multinational corporations. Upon completion, the area would reportedly offer a sophisticated business center, commercial spaces, retail outlets, luxurious apartments, convention facilities, a hospital, an international school, and various other essential community services.^[4]

The project, initiated in 1995, has experienced several delays and the completion date was extended by one and a half years, from June 2022 to December 2024.^[5] Japanese construction giant Kajima Corporation, along with their Bangladeshi partner Sikder Group, has announced the 111-storied Legacy Tower in sector 19 would be completed in 2034.^[6]

Background

Dhaka has transformed into one of the busiest and most densely populated cities, leading to a significant shortage of adequate housing for its inhabitants. Consequently, some residential areas within Dhaka have become increasingly overcrowded and unsanitary, contributing to an unhealthy living environment. To alleviate the population pressure on Dhaka, it was imperative to develop the surrounding areas in a systematic manner and create additional high-quality permanent residential accommodations for the vast population.^[3]

The complete detailed area plan was divided into five groups and a number of small locations. These were awarded to five firms—Development Design Consultants, Engineering and Planning Consultants, GBL Group, Sheltech, and BETS Consulting Services.^[7]

Land use

Within this urban area, 33 percent of the land is designated for residential buildings. Furthermore, 26 percent is allocated for roads and sidewalks, while 9 percent is devoted to essential infrastructure encompassing health, education, social, and utility services. Canals and lakes cover 8 percent of the area, with 7 percent dedicated to administrative and commercial functions. Additionally, 6 percent of the land is set aside for forests, eco-parks, and green spaces. Residential housing blocks occupy 6 percent, while 5 percent of the land is preserved for recreational purposes within this city.^[8]

Progress

Dhaka International Trade Fair held in Purbachal.

Site development works of sector 1–5, 11 to 14 & 17 have nearly been completed. For other sectors the site development works are progressing smoothly. Estimate for site development at Gazipur part has been completed and tendering for execution is under process. Road construction works in sector no 1 to 5, 11, 13, 14 & 17 have nearly been completed. For other sectors the road construction works are ongoing. At 1st phase 7 no.s of bridge construction work are ongoing. At 2nd phase 4 no.s of bridge construction work are ongoing. Rest of the bridges are in the process of tendering. Necessary actions are being taken for establishing of utility services viz electricity, gas, water supply, sewerage and telecommunication etc. through the connection authority. The handing over of plots in the sectors 4, 5 and 17 has started in March 2011. Handing over of plot in the sectors 3, 11, 12,13 and 14 is expected to be started quickly.

A cross-roads at Purbachal New Town Sector-13 (2019)

It may take five more years to hand over plots to 25,000 owners, who have fallen in uncertainty. The stipulated time to complete the project was 2008. But it may take more time as only 25 per cent work had so far been completed. According to the project map, there will be 10 bridges, but no tender to this effect was floated. Only 15 kilometer roads inside the project have been completed out of 140 kilometers in the sectors 1, 4, 5, 11, and 17. The handing over of plots in the sectors 4, 5 and 17 has been started. No necessary steps have been taken for establishing utility services like electricity, gas, water supply, sewerage and telecommunications.^[9]

Criticisms

Delays and mismanagement

Initially slated for completion by early 2010s, the project has faced prolonged delays, with the deadline extended seven times. Cited causes include the COVID-19 pandemic, legal disputes, local resistance and relocation delays.^[5][10] As of 2024^[update], large parts of the area remain underdeveloped or vacant.^[11][12] Cases have been filed in 2025 against 100 individuals, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and members of her family, over alleged irregularities in plot allocations for the project.^[13]

Inadequate infrastructure and services

While roads have been constructed, many areas still lack water supply, electricity, gas connections, and sewage infrastructure. There is a lack of operational schools, markets, hospitals, fire stations, and police services.^[12][14] Power distribution and internet lines are being installed overhead, abandoning the original plan for underground infrastructure due to funding constraints.^[15]

Environmental degradation

The authority has faced criticism for filling wetlands, clearing vegetation, and removing forested areas without obtaining environmental clearance.^[16][17] A 144-acre (0.58 km²) Sal forest in Purbachal, previously under threat, has been included in conservation efforts in 2025.^[18]

Landmarks

• Purbachal Expressway
• Dhaka University 2nd campus^[19]
• Bangabandhu Tri-Tower^[6]
• Purbachal International Cricket Stadium
• Purbachal Central Business District^[6]
• Bangladesh–China Friendship Exhibition Center
• Neela Market