Dhaka Projects Thread

[tanzirian]

I am pretty sure its your browser settings. It probably doesn't allow third party sources to load information.

Thanks for info...will keep it in mind for future.

[sas]

Where is this United Heights going to be located at? Has the entire project started yet?

[tanzirian]

Where is this United Heights going to be located at? Has the entire project started yet?

Located at Gulshan Circle 2. Not sure if construction has started or not.

[iamthedevil60]

the building is under construction...

[Tmac]

here's the rendering of the currently under construction 15 storied Dhaka Stock Exchange Tower.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/dsetower.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/dsetower2.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/dsetower3.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

The 4.2 Million sq feet Jamuna Future Park Shopping Mall

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01968.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01966.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01971.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01973.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01974.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01941.jpg

[Tmac]

nice project but very dissappointed with the sorroundings. Shanties and old looking stores and not to mention those electrical wires are real eyesore.

[tanzirian]

^^ JFP is looking good! On one hand I am of course happy to see our entrepreneurs gracing the city with new landmarks like this. At the same time I hope that in future these folks will be able to accumulate their fortunes through less corrupt means.

Stock exchange building is also looking good, although I wish they had built this in Motijheel. If banks also migrate to Nikonjo in future, that may lead to a depressed commercial area in the heart of city.

[tanzirian]

nice project but very dissappointed with the sorroundings. Shanties and old looking stores and not to mention those electrical wires are real eyesore.

Perhaps some of those tin sheds are to house construction workers etc. At any rate property values and gentrification in this area will probably go up once the mall is complete so I doubt any of these structures will be around in a decade or so.

[meghnarmajhi]

nice project but very dissappointed with the sorroundings. Shanties and old looking stores and not to mention those electrical wires are real eyesore.

I hate the electric wires hanging from everywhere

[gohorns]

nice project but very dissappointed with the sorroundings. Shanties and old looking stores and not to mention those electrical wires are real eyesore.


come on guys..the minute the wealthy (and influential) investor wants those electrical wires to disappear...they will..and so will the shanties/sheds. i mean...a mall made by the rich and influential being crowded by electrical wires and shanties...how can we allow such travesty..

[Zaki]

The stock exchange looks fantastic. Glad to see the architects coming up with an innovative design for such a building.

Also its really surprising that work has continued on JFP and glad to see it. I thought the current government would have stopped work on it but i guess they realized the potential problems it would create by having such a massive structure just lieing there half finished. Also I am pretty sure the shanties will be gone by the time this place opens for business.

[mirzazeehan]

The shanties and tin sheds will definitely be gone after the mall opens...the rendering of JFP shows JFP 5 star hotel and JFP hospital in their place.

[Tmac]

let's hope it's not all talk. Dhaka really needs this.

Massive plan to improve traffic system in capital

The government is seriously considering construction of 56 new roads and introduction of a rapid transit system in the capital by 2024 for quick modernisation of Dhaka's current shabby transport system, according to Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB).

The initiative is a part of a massive Strategic Transport Plan (STP) to modernise Dhaka's transport system, for which the government is planning to spend at least 5.5 billion US dollars by 2024 in implementing a number of development schemes.

STP will be implemented in four five-year phases. In the first phase which will end in 2010, the authorities will complete the designs and construction of six new major roads to create the much needed east-west connections in the city.

Between 2010 and 2024, the government plans to construct 50 additional roads as a part of a city highway network to meet the needs of the commuters of Dhaka and its nearby towns -- Narayanganj, Munshiganj and Tongi, the number of whom has been estimated to reach 36 million by 2024.

At the same time the government plans to construct a city subway train system and elevated expressways. But these capital-intensive schemes will get lesser priority.

Although STP was designed as a 20-year plan in 2004, the basic documents of the plan was only finalised late last year. The plan now aims at achieving the 20-year goal within the next 17 years, DTCB sources said.

A high-powered 12-member committee headed by Communications Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin is currently reviewing STP.

Dhaka is a mega city lacking an organised, properly scheduled bus system or any type of mass rapid transport system. Only seven percent of the city's land is used for roads while any modern city requires 25 percent of its land to be used for the purpose.

STP's estimated cost is $5.5 billion without taking into account the cost of acquiring land and other properties.

The six projects that are slated to be completed by 2010 comprise construction of roads between Zia Colony and Mirpur, and between Panthapath and Rampura, construction of a tunnel at Tejgaon Airport, and roads between Merul Badda and Golakandial, between Tongi and Ghorashal, and between Malibagh and Janapath; and implementation of Lines 1 and 2 of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

BRT

The proposed BRT system, which will be the first of its kind in the country, has been identified as a practical solution to the chronic traffic congestion in Dhaka city. Express buses, which will have capacities to carry 200 passengers per vehicle with low consumption of fuel and high speed, are already very popular in South American countries.

Dr KM Maniruzzaman, associate professor of the urban and regional planning department of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), said in Bogotá, BRT has become so popular that the city's commuters are insisting on banning personal automobiles on roads during rush hours.

The Bangladesh government will dedicate some lanes on roads for uninterrupted movement of BRT and it is considering dedicating three lanes for the purpose. BRT line 1 will begin at Uttara and end at Saidabad Bus Terminal, Line 2 will start from Gabtoli Bus Terminal and end at Saidabad Bus Terminal, and Line 3 will connect Zia Internatioal Airport and the Ramna area.

BRT will go through College Road, Phoenix Road and Nazrul Islam Sarani in an anti-clockwise loop, which might be extended to the old part of the city also.

Sensing that BRT might not be able to accommodate 36 million people by 2024, the government is also reviewing an option of establishing a metro train system.

METRO TRAINS

The first of the proposed three metro lines will begin at Uttara and end at Saidabad Bus Terminal, the second one will provide two east-west connections among densely populated residential areas of Gulshan, Dhanmondi and Mirpur, and the third one will connect the developing areas west of the cantonment and the central city, which will start at Pallabi and end at Saidabad Bus Terminal.

According to the plan, the metro lines will be completed in the fourth and the final five-year phases.

"The blend of BRT and metro, which was termed as a mass rapid transit system by the experts in the field, will create enormous opportunities for new developments and the junctions have been considered as viable sites for major new commercial developments", Director of Bangladesh Consultants Ltd Rafiqul Islam told The Daily Star.


ELEVATED EXPRESSWAYS

The proposed three elevated expressways will include the Gulistan-Jatrabari flyover. The two others, to be constructed in the second five-year phase of STP, will run from Mogbazar via Mouchak to Rampura, and from Gulistan to Mahakhali.

During the immediate past four-party alliance government's regime, the erstwhile communications minister Nazmul Huda was tilted towards investment intensive elevated expressway projects, with an estimated $614 million expenditure.

According to sources, the expert committee however put high emphasis on setting up a mass rapid transit system saying that toll based elevated expressways will not be viable even in 20 years.

"Construction of the elevated expressways demands a staggering budget of Tk 100 crore per 1 km. Those would be operated on the basis of collecting tolls from vehicle drivers," said Dr Rahmatullah, a transport expert and project director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue.

The alliance government had the tendency to award large-scale construction projects to particular companies, like the notorious Orion, in exchange for huge amounts of bribes. Sources said the nefarious practice affected all development work in the country in the last five years.

In order to obtain the resources to make STP successful, the expert committee asked the government to increase the budget allocation for the transport system in Dhaka area, to increase the number of applications for funds from donors, to aggressively pursue private sector funding sources, and to introduce a special levy in the form of a government surcharge for collecting fund.

Dr Salehuddin, additional executive director of DTCB, said the recommended expressways should be built to coordinate the total transport system. He however admitted that they did not think through the issue of financial viability of constructing the expressways.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/07/12/d7071201096.htm

[clearsky]

^^ The big power generation plan and now the transportation plan are very good sign. Perhaps, the fruit of 1/11 have slowly begun to materialize!:)

JFP looks very elegant and modern in any standard. Hopefully the inside will be as good as the outside (except the shanties). I think that they need to do landscaping outside. Nearby slums and dilapidated roads and houses will diminish elegance of the infrastructure.

The govt. cannot stop the construction of it even if they want, because few months ago high court ruled that this project didn’t violate any regulation (or something like this).

[tanzirian]

The metro is the most needed step. Buses and east / west connections are both great, but they can't handle 36 million.

[Zaki]

Ya I agree, the metro should be the biggest priority. Building more roads just causes people to buy more cars, we need to start depending more on mass transport systems. Also I hope the new roads that are suppose to take up 25% of the cities land, actually use the land and not just fill up lakes and rivers like was done in gandaria. Gandaria had a lot of roads built recently but they were all built over rivers and other water transportation system which only increases the chance of flooding and creates a larger long term problem.

Anyways overall great news that the government is taking the initiative to not just clean up politics but develop the countries infrastructure. Good to know that it understands that both good government and good infrastructure are important for a growing economy. Hopefully when we do have an elected governement, we will have some sort of mechanism to make sure the pledges from the current government are followed through.

[gohorns]

^^ that's exactly what I was thinking Zaki...that once this administration leaves...the plans drawn up by them might be cast aside by the new government's own plans...where they'll leverage those issues to garner support and votes in the future....

there really needs to be some pledges/agreements like you said...so these initiatives see light of day..

[tareq79]

New academic building of Buet. Probably it will be 8 or so storied, but the width is massive.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03601.jpg

[gohorns]

Ya I agree, the metro should be the biggest priority. Building more roads just causes people to buy more cars, we need to start depending more on mass transport systems. Also I hope the new roads that are suppose to take up 25% of the cities land, actually use the land and not just fill up lakes and rivers like was done in gandaria. Gandaria had a lot of roads built recently but they were all built over rivers and other water transportation system which only increases the chance of flooding and creates a larger long term problem.


Anyways overall great news that the government is taking the initiative to not just clean up politics but develop the countries infrastructure. Good to know that it understands that both good government and good infrastructure are important for a growing economy. Hopefully when we do have an elected governement, we will have some sort of mechanism to make sure the pledges from the current government are followed through.


hey Zaki...how do you know so much about Gandaria? family connections? my paternal grandparents lived there...

[tanzirian]

New academic building of Buet. Probably it will be 8 or so storied, but the width is massive.[/IMG]

Thanks for your recent bunch of pics Tareq. I'm guessing this thing is still under construction...hopefully this is not the finished look.

[tareq79]

How can this be a finished look! Silly me, I forgot to mention 'underconstruction'...this one still has a way to go before to be called a finished one.
The following ones,being decades-old academic buildings in the area of BUET, shouldnt be belonging to Dhaka projects Thread, but I post around here guessing that underconstruction building may be compatible with these existing ones.

Civil Engineering Faculty building, one side shown
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/4-2.jpg

Electrical Engineering Faculty building
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/2-4.jpg

Department of Architecture
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/3-4.jpg

Department of Urban Planing
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03137.jpg

Advanced Research Building
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03135.jpg

Entry Beside Electrical & Electronics Dept.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/1-5.jpg

Arena in front of Library
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03126.jpg

I dont 've pics of auditorium or Gymnesium, those are well-designed from my point of view.

[tanzirian]

^^ I guess I was being the silly one...but a lot of the ugly older modernist buildings in Dhaka look kind of like that. I was checking out another thread in Skyscrapercity, about a ugly concrete typical mid century tower in London, UK. They are recladding it with modern glass and it looks great. I wonder if this can be done to some of the older buildings in Dhaka? Of course it would nice to them replaced with newer buildings, that something like that might be a cheaper alternative.

[Zaki]

hey Zaki...how do you know so much about Gandaria? family connections? my paternal grandparents lived there...

Well gohorns I am actually khash dhakaiya and so being, gandaria is basically like my homeland, its more of a "grame'r bari" for me then my families actual grame'r bari. All my family, both maternal and paternal use to live there and both my parents and my two of my grandparents grew up there so whenever I go to bd, gandaria is a must visit. Sadly however, ever since gandaria started becoming bad my family started moving out to gulshan and later uttara and now i have no one left in gandaria :ohno: . Hopefully this doesn't happen to other areas of Dhaka.

[mirzazeehan]

Some Projects(U/C)



37 storey City Center,Motijheel

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02328.jpg

27 storey Doreen Tower,Gulshan-2

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02184.jpg

25 storey United Heights,Gulshan-2

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02176.jpg


4.2 Million sq feet Jamuna Future Park Shopping Mall

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02172.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02174.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02173.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02175.jpg

Naya Paltan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02318.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02320.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02324.jpg

Baitul Muk. Area

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02329.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02330.jpg

Uttara

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02198.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02193.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02303.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02191.jpg

Royal Tower,Panthopath

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02260-2.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02264.jpg

Unique Pacific,Gulshan-2

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02354.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

Nafi Tower,Gulshan-1

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02338.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02367.jpg

Nasir Tower,Sonargoan Road

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02257.jpg

Suvastu Imam Plaza,Gulshan-1

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02339.jpg

[Tmac]

great coverage Mirza. I was able to take some of the same shots. I am saving all the under construction photos for later.

[tanzirian]

Thanks Mirza, strong work! Great to see United Heights going up nicely. Finishing on Nafi tower also advancing steadily. What's the word on Doorin Tower though? It topped out a while back but as far as I can tell not much has happened since...is that an accurate observation?

[Tmac]

Mirza, is that Unique Heights or United Heights? I know of Unique Heights but never heard of United Heights.

[sas]

Great updates Mirza. Could you please specify 'exactly' where on Gulshan 2 this United/Unique Heights building is located?

[rmrplayer]

Tmac I think thats united heights in gulshan in the picture. Unique heights is being developed by borak real estate and is near kawran bazar . Awesome pics!! Boy am I getting excited now!! Its so hard to keep up!!

[rmrplayer]

Does anyone have any info on that royal tower? I have never heard of it before. First I saw of it was in Tmac's photos. Last time I was there I saw a couple of sign boards for DH tower, ZS tower etc.

[tanzirian]

Mirza, is that Unique Heights or United Heights? I know of Unique Heights but never heard of United Heights.

Tmac...United Heights has been mentioned a number of times on this thread, and rendering has also been posted, just look a few pages back...it is on my list on Dhaka's tallest also a few pages back...it is at Gulshan Circle 2 and will be about 25 - 27 storeys.

[Tmac]

Jamuna Future park is looking too good these days. Such projects can not be ignored and must be given some recognition. Should we create a separate thread for it? People can post all the info and pics in it. Mirza should have kick out of that.

[Tmac]

Tmac...United Heights has been mentioned a number of times on this thread, and rendering has also been posted, just look a few pages back...it is on my list on Dhaka's tallest also a few pages back...it is at Gulshan Circle 2 and will be about 25 - 27 storeys.

yes I remember now. imathedevil60 even posted a rendering of it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/unitedheights4.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

United Heights is a project in Gulshan-2 comprising two or three 25 storey towers.On the other hand,Unique Heights is a project of Unique Group comprising two buildings of 16 storey each and is being built near Dhaka Sheraton.

Location of United Heights

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/WesinUnitedDoorinTowers2.jpg


Unique Heights

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/uniqueheightseskaton-1.jpg

[tanzirian]

Jamuna Future park is looking too good these days. Such projects can not be ignored and must be given some recognition. Should we create a separate thread for it? People can post all the info and pics in it. Mirza should have kick out of that.

Yes, I think that would be a good idea...it is one of the things that I thought we would do once we had our forum. IMO a few select buildings of significance should have their own threads, while the rest we can follow in this one. Of those currently under construction, City Centre and Jamuna Future Park deserve their own construction threads.

Mirza, what's going on with Doorin tower? Is there any progress? It topped out a while back but I have not noticed an cladding or other major progress since then.

[mirzazeehan]

No significant progress is visible in the Doreen Tower and you could say the same about Taher tower in Gulshan-2 which is supposed to be 18 storey tall.Lotus Kamal Tower-2(20 storey) is also on hold possibly cause its owner has been arrested.But other projects in the area like the United Heights,Jamuna Future Park,Unique DCC tower are progressing pretty well.

[Tmac]

Mirza, any visual update of the SPL Western Tower?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/splwesterntower6.jpg

[iamthedevil60]

i was just wondering...with all these mega buildings coming up...where is the extra power being generated for their operation?

[khalek]

how many floors will be the SPL Western tower?

[mirzazeehan]

how many floors will be the SPL Western tower?


SPL Western Tower will have 18 floors.Sorry Tmac,no update of the project is available to me now.

[Tmac]

SPL Western Tower will have 18 floors.Sorry Tmac,no update of the project is available to me now.

you know what that means? It means you should go out there and start taking pictures. LOL!

[mirzazeehan]

you know what that means? It means you should go out there and start taking pictures. LOL!

Aye aye captain!haha

[Tmac]

Bijoysarani extension road project approved

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved Tuesday the construction of much-talked about Bijoysarani extension road linking the Tejgaon industrial area.

It also endorsed seven other development projects, including installation of Haripur 360-megawatt (MW) power plant, at the meeting.

Presided over by the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, the meeting was held at the NEC conference room in the city.

After the meeting, Finance adviser Mirza Azizul Islam told newsmen that the ECNEC okayed the Bijoysarani extension road project, which will be constructed by June 2009 at a cost of Tk 1.22 billion.

"To ease the traffic congestion in the city the extension road will be constructed," he said.

A source in the ECNEC meeting Tuesday told the FE that the government would acquire necessary land and demolish the legal and illegal structures on the project areas to construct the 0.73 kilometres road from the east side of Bijoysarani to Tejgaon industrial area.

The government might also acquire the Rangs Bhaban and demolish it for construction of the extension road, he added.

"A major portion of the Tk 1.22 billion project fund will be spent on land acquisition and compensation to the owners for the losses of property for construction of the Bijoysarani extension road," he said referring to the discussion at the ECNEC meeting.

Mirza Azizul Islam said eight projects involving a total cost of Tk 40.39 billion were approved at the meeting.

The Japanese donor agency -- Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) -- will provide Tk 25.09 billion towards financing the Tk 35.07 billion Haripur power project. The rest of the fund will be mobilised by the government, he said.

The ECNEC approved six other projects -- a 150-bed hospital for the government employees at a cost of Tk 0.42 billion, development of digital mapping system under the Directorate of Bangladesh Land Record and Survey at a cost Tk 1.15 billion, rehabilitation of eight ferries and six pontoons of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) at a cost of Tk 0.58 billion, rehabilitation of Dhaka-Narayanganj railway line at a cost of Tk 0.47 billion, development of Khulna and Benapole railway stations at a cost of Tk 0.49 billion and drinking water supply from the deep irrigation pumps (phase-II) at a cost of Tk 0.99 billion.

But five projects, including 150MW Shikolbaha power plant, placed at the ECNEC meeting Tuesday were not approved.

The meeting sources said that the ECNEC sent back the Shikolbaha power plant project proposal for further scrutiny as there were some problems at the procedural stage and lack of government funds.

The Shikolbaha power station will require Tk 8.14 billion, which was to be provided by the government from its own sources.

Advisers of the caretaker administrations and high officials of different ministries were present at the ECNEC meeting.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=9441

[tanzirian]

^^ All well and good, but realistically the only solution to the traffic is an efficient mass transit system. By the time Bijoy Sarani extension is complete there will be enough additional vehicles to clog it up as well.

[clearsky]

^^ That Rouf guy, the owner of Rangs, took a massive hit. First he looses 18 Bigha land in Gulshan having present value of 350 crore and now he completely looses his 22 storied building.:cheers:

Although I have no sympathy whatsoever for the guy, perhaps people like him should learn a lesson from this.

[Tmac]

Hyperion Dream City

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/DreamCity_PerspectiveView.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/DreamCity_Inside-View.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/DreamCity_Entry.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/DreamCity_location.jpg

http://www.hyperion-bd.com/index.php?action=master_project_details&projectId=42

[Tmac]

Name of the project: Update Tower
Location: Plot 1, Shahjalal Avenue, Sector 06, Uttara, Dhaka
Total land: 18 Kathas
Project: 14 storied commercial complex

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/updatetoweruttara.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/updatetower14storied.jpg

http://www.updategroupbd.com/update_builders/index.htm

Name of the project: ENA SHAKUR'S EMARAT
Location: Panthapath, Dhaka
Project: Nine-storied commercial cum apartment complex

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/enashakursemarat.jpg

Name of the project: ENA TOWER DE OLIO
Location: Panthapath, Dhaka
Project: Eleven-storied commercial complex

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/enatowerdeolio.jpg

http://www.enagroup-bd.com/index.php?page_id=138

Name of the project: Tanin Centre
Location: Asad Gate, Mohammadpur on main Mirpur Road East
Project: 9 Storied Commercial Building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/tanincentreasadgate9storied.jpg

http://www.taningroupbd.com/pro3.html

Name of the project: unknown
Location: Paltan, Dhaka
Project: 19 Storied Commercial Building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/criterion.jpg

http://www.criteriondevelopers.com/commercial-projects.html

Project Name : GD Lise City
Project Address : Azampur, Uttara,Dhaka
Building Type : 16 Storied Residential Building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/gdlisecity.jpg

Project Name : GD Desdemona
Project Address : 11-11/1, Arambagh, Motijheel, Dhaka.
Building Type : 16 Storied Residential Building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/gddesdemona.jpg

Project Name : GD Dinaj Tower
Project Address : 752/2, Begum Rokeya Sharani, West Shewrapara, Mirpur, Dhaka.
Building Type : 12 Storied Residential Cum Commercial Building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/gddinaj.jpg

Project Name : GD Tower
Project Address : Plot: Ta-108, Gulshan Link Road, Middle Badda, Dhaka
Building Type : 16 Storied Residential Building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/gdtower.jpg

http://www.greendeltahousing.com/project.php?project_type=1

[Tmac]

Project name: Shatabdi Centre
Location: 292 Inner Circular Road, Fakirapul, Dhaka.
Type: 20-Stroried Commercial Building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/shatabdicentre.jpg

Project name: Sahera Tropical Centre
Location: 218 Elephant Road, Dhaka.
Type: 14-Stroried Commercial Building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/shaheratropical.jpg

http://www.tropicalhomesbd.com/index.php?page_id=236

[Tmac]

Project Name: Ideal City
Location: Shantinagar Bazar, Dhaka
Type: 20-Storied Commerical-cum-Residential Building.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/idealcityshantinagar20storied.jpg



Project Name: Ideal Khan Tower
Location: 359/A, D.I.T Road, Rampura, Dhaka
Type: 16-Storied Commerical-cum-Residential Building.

Project Name: Ideal Rabab Centre
Location: 104/1, Kakrail, Dhaka
Type: 18-Storied Commerical-cum-Residential Building.

http://www.idealhome-bd.com/commspc.php

[Tmac]

Project Name: AMICUS IMPETUS TOWER
Location: Plot # 242, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka.
Type: 22 storied Commercial Building
Ground -2nd Floor: show room
3rd-22nd Floor: Office
Handover Time : December 2009.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/amicusimpetustower.jpg

http://www.amicus.com.bd/index.php

[tareq79]

Shatabdi Center, Ideal City and Amicus Impetus Tower look impressive.
Update Tower - what kind of name is that? :ohno:

Thanks for the update, Tmac.

[Tmac]

Shatabdi Center, Ideal City and Amicus Impetus Tower look impressive.
Update Tower - what kind of name is that? :ohno:

Thanks for the update, Tmac.

it's being developed by a company called Update Group...lol.

[mirzazeehan]

Excellent update Tmac!Amicus tower looks amazing.

[tanzirian]

Excellent update Tmac!Amicus tower looks amazing.

Looks like there's a car showroom on the lower floors.

Great finds, Tmac.

[Tmac]

IDB president lays foundation stone

President of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Ahmad Mohamed Ali laid the foundation stone of multi-storied building of Islami Bank Training and Research Academy Complex at 10 Momenbagh, Rajarbagh, Dhaka Friday, said a press release.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=9872

[meghnarmajhi]

IDB president lays foundation stone

President of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Ahmad Mohamed Ali laid the foundation stone of multi-storied building of Islami Bank Training and Research Academy Complex at 10 Momenbagh, Rajarbagh, Dhaka Friday, said a press release.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=9872

No info on height and/or number of floors yet?

[zayiaf62089]

Most of these new projects are between 9-11 stories tall yet the renders make these buildings look a lot taller.

[Tmac]

Most of these new projects are between 9-11 stories tall yet the renders make these buildings look a lot taller.

which ones? All the renders match the heights given from what I can see.

[zayiaf62089]

Well I was talking about the commercial buildings, not the residential ones. Also they used a little bit of shadowing and some coloration to overture the actual heights like AMICUS IMPETUS TOWER which looks more like a 40 story than a 22 story. Anyways they are good renders. Way to go BD! However are all these recent projects approved for construction or are they still proposals waiting for approval?

[Tmac]

BAITUL VIEW TOWER is a twenty storied complex. It stands at the busiest commercial location, Purana Paltan in Dhaka, just at the northern side of national Baitul Mukarram mosque and adjacent to Janata Bank Foreign Exchange Corporate Branch.

A twenty storied complex with three basements parking facilities. Ground floor to 5th floor will be air- conditioned market for gold, electrical & electronics items, show rooms, display centers, etc. 6th floor to 19th floor has been designed for offices.

The structure is well designed against gravity loads in addition to earthquake and wind loads. The project completion date is December,2007.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/baitulviewtower.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/baitulviewtower2.jpg

http://www.bvtal.com/index.php

[Tmac]

Project Name: Nasir Tower
Project Location: 300/4 Sonargaon Road, Dhaka.
Land area: 19 kathas
Number of Floors: Double basements + 16 Floor
Total Car Parking: 70 no's
Shop/Show Room: Upto 5th Floor
Office Space: 7th Floor to top Floor
Others: 6th Floor Godown, Seminar, Restaurant.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/nasirtower.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/nasirtower2.jpg

http://www.vivekgroupbd.com/nasir.html

[Tmac]

20 storied BGIC Tower

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/BGIC_Tower.jpg

Shaymoli Tower

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/shaymolitower.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

Panthopath

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02396.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02412.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02392.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02415.jpg

Gulshan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02418.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02419.jpg

Kawranbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02390.jpg

Dhamondi 27 road

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02406.jpg

[Nitro]

Wow some really great projects. I think Dhaka can rival mumbai for the best skyline in the subcontinent.

[Dhakaiya]

Insha Allah soon we shall.

[Nitro]

Insha Allah soon we shall.

See the thing is in Mumbai there is too much red tape, which prevents to construction of commercial skyscrapers, a low FSI, and numerous other frustrations.

Gurgaon a satelitte town outside Delhi and the outskirts of Hyderabad have got the best chance of getting an international class skyline in the next few years, with some mouth watering proposals...Inshallah, they materialise. God We in India need a skyline to be proud of.

[tanzirian]

Wow some really great projects. I think Dhaka can rival mumbai for the best skyline in the subcontinent.

In the short run, I seriously doubt that. India has reached the turning point in its development...by mid-century it should be a more-or-less developed country. Bangladesh will get there too, but true independence was 24 years after India and with smaller resources and political clout, it will likely be well into the second half of the century before general level of affluence (and by extension, ability to invest in nice buildings) is roughly on par with India. However, we are not in a competition with anyone...We want a skyline that we can be proud of, but whether its better or worse than anyone else, should not matter.

See the thing is in Mumbai there is too much red tape...We in India need a skyline to be proud of.

What are you worried about? Mumbai already has an excellent collection of midrises as well as several "supertalls" to begin construction in the near future.

[Nitro]

Apart from the 80 story India Tower u/c there's not really much else to say about Mumbai. I invite you to the indian forum, check out Mumbai projects and cityscapes, and judge in more detail Mumbai's high rise potenial, you will realise im sure that it is full of frustation and false promises. We need a cluster high rise buildings which is the prerequiste for a decent skyline

[tanzirian]

Apart from the 80 story India Tower u/c there's not really much else to say about Mumbai. I invite you to the indian forum, check out Mumbai projects and cityscapes, and judge in more detail Mumbai's high rise potenial, you will realise im sure that it is full of frustation and false promises. We need a cluster high rise buildings which is the prerequiste for a decent skyline

What about Park Hyatt Tower 988 ft under construction and India International Trade Center 1050 ft proposed? Have patience...no point putting the cart before the horse...India may be poised to become a major economic power, but the general level of affluence is still not that great. Personally I will be quite happy when Dhaka skyline advances to the level Mumbai skyline is today.

[mirzazeehan]

What about Park Hyatt Tower 988 ft under construction and India International Trade Center 1050 ft proposed? Have patience...no point putting the cart before the horse...India may be poised to become a major economic power, but the general level of affluence is still not that great. Personally I will be quite happy when Dhaka skyline advances to the level Mumbai skyline is today.

I personally think that the two cities can already rival each other in terms of skyline.Dhaka needs to have more buildings over the typical 20-25 storey height,like Mumbai has now.And Mumbai needs more buildings with glass facades and amazing architecture.However,both the cities are great and are developing extremely fast.

[tareq79]

Doreen Tower, no progress observed last few months

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03684.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03685.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03686.jpg

[Tmac]

thanks for the update Tareq.

[Tmac]

Can someone (Mirza, Sas, Tareq) anyone answer these?

what is this building under construction (Navana) on the right side of this photo? It looks to be in Mohakhali across from Brac building.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/mohakhali54.jpg

what about this under construction building? Bangla motor?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/banglamotor25.jpg

[tareq79]

I think I'll be able to know something abt the first one (as its in Mohakhali).

[mirzazeehan]

The U/C building in the second pic is the Rahman Plaza at Banglamotor intersection,it will be 20 storey tall.

[tanzirian]

The U/C building in the second pic is the Rahman Plaza at Banglamotor intersection,it will be 20 storey tall.

Is "Banglamotor" same as "Paribagh", or are these different areas?

[meghnarmajhi]

Bangla Motor is not an official name of any place. There used to be a auto repair shop in Paribagh at - not too far from Sheraton. Bus walas named it Bangla Motor bus stop. So - Bangla Motor is in Paribagh.

[tanzirian]

Bangla Motor is not an official name of any place. There used to be a auto repair shop in Paribagh at - not too far from Sheraton. Bus walas named it Bangla Motor bus stop. So - Bangla Motor is in Paribagh.

Thanks for info...I thought they were the same but wasn't sure.

Sad to see Doreen Tower in limbo...I hope construction picks up again by next year.

[meghnarmajhi]

Thanks for info...I thought they were the same but wasn't sure.

Sad to see Doreen Tower in limbo...I hope construction picks up again by next year.

I just remebered = that auto repair shop's name was Pak Motors before 71. A fter independence the repair shop owner changed its name to Bangla Motors.

[tanzirian]

I just remebered = that auto repair shop's name was Pak Motors before 71. A fter independence the repair shop owner changed its name to Bangla Motors.

When I was living in Dhaka I remember some guy in that area used to own a number of classic autos which he had out in his driveway...I forget if that was his residence or a motor shop.

I will start scanning and posting some old photos of Dhaka in October...not for education as with my previous thread but just for nostalgia (the main limitation being the low resolution of my scanner). Maybe Majhi bhai will find some of his old photos and add them there :)

[meghnarmajhi]

When I was living in Dhaka I remember some guy in that area used to own a number of classic autos which he had out in his driveway...I forget if that was his residence or a motor shop.

I will start scanning and posting some old photos of Dhaka in October...not for education as with my previous thread but just for nostalgia (the main limitation being the low resolution of my scanner). Maybe Majhi bhai will find some of his old photos and add them there :)

Sounds great

[gohorns]

just a side note:

I don't know how applicable this is to commercial buildings but we recently got in touch with Asset (residential real estate developers) to see if they'd be interested in developing a plot of land and they said that Rajuk has put a LOT of (planned) projects on hold, including 300 or so that are just theirs.

[meghnarmajhi]

Wow ... doesn't sound good.

[dopekhor]

just a side note:

I don't know how applicable this is to commercial buildings but we recently got in touch with Asset (residential real estate developers) to see if they'd be interested in developing a plot of land and they said that Rajuk has put a LOT of (planned) projects on hold, including 300 or so that are just theirs.
bs! these real estate people evade a lot of tax and hardly follow rules they are just scared of ACC since their business involves a lot of black money the other day the law adviser inquired why projects are on halt after receiving the go a head

no reply from their part

[TIslam]

bs! these real estate people evade a lot of tax and hardly follow rules they are just scared of ACC since their business involves a lot of black money the other day the law adviser inquired why projects are on halt after receiving the go a head

no reply from their part

I think your explanation is on the money as opposed to ASSET or other developers' excuses. They are simply running scared, worried, what if ACC comes after them for past deeds? My family property was given to ASSET in fall of last year. While they provided the funds to pay off the hbfc mortgage, they asked my sister-in-law not to give notice to the existing tenants since they (Asset) are not sure when they would be able to begin demolition/construction.

[tanzirian]

^^ Gohorns, are you back from your trip?

[Tmac]

Dhaka University to construct 3 library buildings

Dhaka University will construct three 10-storey library buildings to meet the growing demands of its students.

The buildings will be equipped with all modern facilities and services, including individual power station, central air-conditioner and audio-video reprography, sources in the central library said.

Korean International Cooperation Agency will provide technical and financial support to build the buildings in three phases, librarian Khandaker Fazlur Rahman told New Age.

In the first phase, a 10-storey L-shaped building will be constructed on 8,500 squire feet of land beside the southern side of the central library, he said.

Kim Chang Sup, resident representative of KOICA Bangladesh office, recently visited the site and agreed with the proposal of construction of a 10-storey L-type library building for the university at a cost of about Tk 40 crore.

The university syndicate on August 14 approved the project proposal, a syndicate member said. A project concept proposal was also sent to the KOICA on September 9, the sources said.

‘KOICA authority verbally assured us of providing assistance for the construction of three ten-storey library buildings at a cost of around Tk 130 crore,’ Fazlur said.

The buildings will be constructed in three phases and the construction work will start in early 2008, he added. On completion of one of the proposed ten-storey buildings, other two buildings will be constructed after demolishing the two existing library buildings by 2010, he said.

http://www.newagebd.com/met.html

[Tmac]

wow Dhaka U would have one huge library once the project is done.

[tanzirian]

^^ Considering that they are the premier educational institute in the country...they need a lot better than what they currently have. The best universities in the world have millions of volumes in their libraries.

[meghnarmajhi]

Dhaka University library has a very rich collection of books and periodicals. In the science portion, I had seen very old issues of Scientific America, The Physicist, etc. Many collections of old Bangla folk literature on display in Dhaka Museum, Bangla Academy Library, Public Library are owned by DU library. Materials are well maintained and catalogued.

It deserves a big space.

[tanzirian]

^^ It's true I don't really know the depth of their collections...I just remember that unimpressive library building next to Curzon Hall...but that might have just been the science library. As a kid I remember the only English library being British Council (except for a few shelves in USIS)...which is rather pathetic by international standards.

[iamthedevil60]

bs! these real estate people evade a lot of tax and hardly follow rules they are just scared of ACC since their business involves a lot of black money the other day the law adviser inquired why projects are on halt after receiving the go a head

no reply from their part


It is not always black money stopping firms from completion of projects. Firms like Asset are indeed being blocked by RAJUK through various redtape, one of which is non-compliance of planning rules. However, the framework under which the real estate sector has operated for years has meant that RAJUK wasn't really bothered and/or incentivised not to be bothered by city planning. So when literally hundreds if not thousands of crores of taka are already invested in this sector with many projects stuck at midway point, instead of blocking projects arbitrarily, they should enact a certain framework as to judge what may be done to rectify these present projects without incurring too much financial loss while at the same time ensuring that a better planning framework is implemented in the future. Remember a lot of people's livelihoods are attached to these constructions and what is going on currently simply cannot be the solution.

[tanzirian]

^^ Agreed on that point. Former system took into account attitude of govt. If govt changes attitude suddenly it must give system time to adjust, and in meantime provide option for projects initiated prior to change in attitude to be completed (with penalty, if necessary, but not complete block...this acknowledging that govt itself was part of problem previously).

[sas]

I just hope that the introduction of the three state-of-the-art libraries at Dhaka University bring a change to the existing culture of DU students. Because the libraries that exist in DU currently are closed during weekends, whereas abroad, a lot of libraries are even open 24 hours during exams. Students need to fully utilize any facilities/amenities that are provided to them.

[Tmac]

I posted this a few years ago.

Hi-tech park to be set up in Kaliakoir

Science and Information and Communication Technology Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan said a hi-tech park would be set up on 231 acres of land at Kaliakoir near the capital for expanding information and communication technology.

He was speaking at a function to distribute prizes among IT quiz competition winners and citations among the meritorious students of University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS) yesterday.

Vice Chancellor of UITS Dr A Mazid Khan, president of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Professor Dr M Shamsher Ali, among others, spoke on the occasion.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/07/02/d40702051065.htm

[Tmac]

Basic Infrastructure for Hi-Tech Park (1st phase) Project

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/hi-tech1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/hi-tech2.jpg
PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF SHOPING COMPLEX AND ADMINISTRATIVE TOWERS IN BLOCK-1 WITH ANCILLARY FACILITIES & HI-TECH UNIVERSITY

Objectives

The major objectives of establishing High-Tech Park at Kaliakoir, Gazipur are to

1. Attract foreign companies to set up operations in Bangladesh

2. Develop indigenous technological capability for the development of the local industries

3. Create a conducive atmosphere for establishing ICT, engineering, electronics, telecommunication,
biotechnology and other related knowledge based industry.

4. Develop 231.685 acres of land ear marked for Hi-Tech park

5. Provide necessary administrative support service to the potential entrepreneurs interested in investing at
the Hi-Tech park

6. Ensure electricity, water, sewerage, gas, telephone, internet and other utility services at the park.


Rationale

Entry into export market in high technology area is very restrictive on many counts. This barrier can be overcome by innovation content, cost advantage and producing State-of-the-technology products for export. It would also be quite useful for a country like Bangladesh, with huge trade imbalance, if import substitution products could be produced in the park. In both the cases plentiful availability of knowledge rich manpower is a must for the potential industries. The Hi-Tech Park in Kaliakoir will be highly populated with ICT related knowledge worker intensive industries. To attract such industries infrastructure readiness such as telecom infrastructure, transportation infrastructure must be very high with good legal environment, which can be ensured by appropriate Cyber law and Intellectual Property Rights.


Facilities

This first phase of the project is expected to be implemented in a period of two tears. The proposed Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park is situated at Gazipur alongside Dhaka-Tangail expressway. It covers an area of 231.685 acres, comprising of industrial base, internal roads, science plaza, and some policy-covering sections. The Park has an excellent location and enjoys easy transportation. It is 40 km. from the Capital city Dhaka and 25 km. from Zia International Airport. The 30 feet wide Dhaka-Tangail expressway beside the zone links up with the inner-ring road of the park and the main communication hub of the country. The latter serves as the access to Zia International Airport, Railways in Dhaka, Tangail or Mymenshing and the sea port at Chittagong.

Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park is planned on a scientific and comprehensive basis and boasts a first rate infrastructure, rationally schemed for the function of industry, commerce, residence, office, culture education, hygiene and equipped with a complete set of roads, water supply, electricity supply, gas supply, telecommunications, drainage and sewage facilities.

At moderate prices, Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park will provide both domestic and foreign investors with land for industrial or commercial use as well as standard factory buildings for electronic, mechanical, garment and light industries.

It is hoped that the Park will attract investors from a great number of countries and regions, such as the USA, UK, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Austria, Indonesia, Finland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc.

Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park will have all the necessary public facilities. Electricity substations of 220 KV and 35 KV will be installed there. There will be sufficient water supply, gas supply, telephones providing IDD services and other facilities. Renowned multinational corporations are expected to invest and operate in this zone. Its rapid development will offer wide fields of co-operation and huge opportunity of investment to entrepreneurs at home and abroad. We warmly invite entrepreneurs to come here to develop undertakings in the form of solely foreign-funded enterprise, joint venture or co-operative operation and jointly create economic prosperity, taking the science and technological industries without pollution and with high technical content as the orientation. At the same time, the park will also take in enterprises, which enjoy considerable sales potential on the market and have reached a certain scale in such industries such as machinery and clothing.

Industries in the Hi-Tech Park will be environmentally friendly. They will follow the safety standard of ILO and WHO.

Preferential treatment in regard to income tax, customs tax and land development will be accorded to enterprises located and registered in this zone. Serial services for project examination and approval will also be available to investors in Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park.

During its development, the zone will always focus on the goal of Developing and industrializing high technologies, and go on opening wider to the outside world. The zone will establish close relations with different countries and regions in world with enterprises involving foreign elements and Hi-Tech inside the Zone.

Adhering to its principle of "facilitating investors in their pursuit of profits," Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park promises to provide the best possible investment environment, the most satisfactory services and most favorable investment policies. It hopes to work together with both domestic and overseas investors for a better future. Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan MP, Minister for Science and ICT, Government of Bangladesh has been the chief patron Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park, who provided necessary foundation for its development and growth.

Background

In the wake of developing a knowledge based economy, Bangladesh has realized that in the field of Science and Technology significant commitments have to be made to achieve high level prosperity in near future. Countries making transition from agro/industrial economy to information economy normally recognize the knowledge-based industries, particularly those related to information technology and biotechnology, as the top priority sector. It is a fact that Information Technology has been identified as the ?thrust sector? for the economy of Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh has therefore conceived of establishing high-tech and modern industry that envisages supplementing tertiary industries and social well-being undertakings and would figure out high-level industrial parks that can keep pace with the world's economic development.

Hi-Tech parks are being developed in different countries with a purpose to provide adequate infrastructure support services to create an environment well organized for development of need-based industries within the area. Kailakoir Hi-Tech Park is the first state-level Hi-Tech zone conceived by the Government and is a pioneering area opening to the outside world. In the first phase of development, Kaliakoir High-tech Park, will serve as an incubator for turning technology into productive forces. It will be an ideal place for returned overseas students, institutions of higher learning, research institutes and independent entrepreneurs to develop high-tech industries and trade.

Ministry of Science and ICT entrusted with the responsibility to BRTC of BUET for conducting a study for establishing a Hi-Tech park in Bangladesh. BRTC started the project formulation study with a multidisciplinary team in the year 2001. The team visited some countries such as India, Singapore, Malaysia, gathered experience on such endeavours and prepared design, operation and management for a Hi-Tech park at Kaliakoir in Gazipur district.

In the Master Plan of the Hi-Tech park the land has been divided into five blocs and will be developed in different phases. Bloc-1 will have administrative offices and utilities.It will be implemented in the first phase.

At first a PCP with an estimated cost of Tk.25100.00 lakh was sent to the Planning Commission. On 03 Feb 2003 the Pre-ECNEC meeting decided that MOSICT will make efforts to derive funds from different sources through ERD for its implementation and the project would be included in the 2002-2003 ADP as Private Sector Funded Project. The response for achieving funds has not been satisfactory.

Recently MST Technology Centre, a subsidiary organization of Malaysia?s Hi-Tech park authority, Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) has expressed their interest to establish a Hi-Tech park in the proposed land in Bangladesh resembling to Malaysia?s Multimedia Super Corridor. With this end in view they have conducted a study and submitted their final report in the MOSICT on 27 Aug 2005.

On 03 April 2003 National Taskforce Committee of MOSICT decided to implement the Hi-Tech park project. Accordingly step was taken to establish Hi-Tech park on 231.385 ares of land. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Ministry of land and MOSICT and the land was handed over to MOSICT on 24 April 2004 by the Ministry of Land.

In the year 2004-2005 the Hi-Tech park project was included in the ADP as a project without budget. A project was then proposed to create basic infrastructure facilities from own fund of the Government of Bangladesh to motivate the potential foreign investors for investment. The project has been known as the Basic Infrastructure Development Project for Hi-Tech Park at Kaliakoir (1st phase) at a cost of Tk.25 crore. This project has passed the Pre-ECNEC meeting and the DPP is being prepared for speedy implementation.

Targets

The Hi-Tech Park at Kaliakoir is envisioned as an integrated, ultra modern techno township that would attract some of the large transnational companies and serve the world class business enterprises.


http://www.bcc.net.bd/html/hi-tech.html

[tanzirian]

^^ Interesting project...seems to use up a lot of land by Bangladesh standards.

[Tmac]

Mirza, what's that under construction building next to Baitul Mukarram? It doesn't look like Baitul View or Surma or Bengal tower?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/dhakastadium32.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

Tmac,thats probably the construction of the Rangs Tower(20 storey).

[TIslam]

Tmac,thats probably the construction of the Rangs Tower(20 storey).

Rangs is putting up another building? I hope the land it is being built upon is not controversial, otherwise it may meet the same fate of the other one.

[tanzirian]

Tmac,thats probably the construction of the Rangs Tower(20 storey).

The Baitul Mukarram cluster is impressive for the rapidity with which it has sprung up...all of the 20 storey buildings started construction within the last year or so, right? So far there are four or five of them, if my memory is correct.

[Tmac]

so there's going to be Rangs, Baitul View, Surma and Bengal Tower near Baitul Mukarram? Nice!!

[tanzirian]

so there's going to be Rangs, Baitul View, Surma and Bengal Tower near Baitul Mukarram? Nice!!

Don't forget 26 storey ICL Trade Center...very close by...and of course existing Sport Council Tower and Shilpa Bank are essentially continuous with this bunch.

[mirzazeehan]

Don't forget 26 storey ICL Trade Center...very close by...and of course existing Sport Council Tower and Shilpa Bank are essentially continuous with this bunch.

That place is gonna get Rangs,Surma,Bengal,ICL,Yaavar,BKMA,Fareast Towers(15-26 storey towers).Most of these are now underconstruction,and the rest are proposed.

[Tmac]

thanks for the info Mirza.

[khalek]

looks like motijheel gonna have a very good skyline with this buildings..

[Tmac]

Mirza, I think that's Rangs Tower on the left side of this photo. What is that under construction building on the center of the picture?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/motijheelviews26.jpg

[Tmac]

now I can see why Grand Azad Hotel is not visible anymore. Check the top left of this photo. It appears the under construction building is literally on top of the hotel.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/baitulmukarramviews14.jpg

[tanzirian]

Mirza, I think that's Rangs Tower on the left side of this photo. What is that under construction building on the center of the picture?[/IMG]

Unless I am mistaken...the under construction building at center (next to Mehraba Plaza) is Far East Tower (20 st).

This means that the Motijheel shots I took from the Mehraba Plaza rooftop in January will no longer be possible to duplicate the next time I am in BD.

[mirzazeehan]

Unless I am mistaken...the building next to Mehraba Plaza is (right of center) Far East Tower (20 st).

This means that the Motijheel shots I took from the Mehraba Plaza rooftop in January will no longer be possible to duplicate the next time I am in BD.

Tan is right,that is the 20 storey Fareast Tower.On the last pic,Construction of Baitul View on one side of the white building is visible,what is absent is the construction of the tower that is also u/c on the other side of that white building.

[Tmac]

is that United Heights on the left of the picture?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/gulshanbuildings59.jpg

[iamthedevil60]

don't think so. i believe that is being constructed by an insurance company. i might be wrong tho...

[Tmac]

ECNEC to decide today on Hatirjheel dev project

The long-awaited Integrated Begunbari-Hatirjheel Development Project will be placed at the ECNEC meeting today with the LGRD and cooperatives adviser hoping to get its nod to the mega project.

‘The Integrated Begunbari-Hatirjheel Development Project with an estimated cost of Tk 1921.86 crore will be placed at the ECNEC meeting on Monday and we hope to get the approval,’ the LGRD and cooperatives adviser, Anwarul Iqbal, told a news briefing at the ministry’s conference room on Sunday.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology will conduct a study soon after ECNEC, the highest policy-making body of the government, approves the project that includes re-excavation and beautification of the Begunbari-Hatirjheel Lake, he said.

Of the project cost, Tk 939.53 crore will be spent for acquiring about 245 acres of land, Tk 240 crore for compensation of infrastructures, Tk 37.66 crore for removal of waste and excavation of the lake, Tk 75.50 crore for constructing covered drain and sewerage system and Tk 68.50 crore to construct road and footpath and installation of streetlights.

Of the remaining amount, Tk 512 crore will be spent to construct bridge, Tk 40 crore to construct overpass, Tk 6.70 crore to construct bus-bay, parking and for tree plantation and Tk 1.92 crore will be used for conducting study by BUET.

Under the project, 15.8-metre-wide road and drains and footpaths will be constructed in both sides of the Begunabari-Hatijheel canal stretching between Panthapath (Tongi Diversion Road) and Rampura Road.

All the lanes and by-lanes in the areas will be connected with the planed peripheral road, which will reduce tailbacks in the area, said Iqbal.

The excavation work will be done under the project to remove organic soil in the canal and to make the soil beautiful and water of the canal pollution-free, said the project director, Haider Ali.

A four-lane overpass will be constructed over the Tongi Diversion Road to connect the Panthapath Road with the planned peripheral road and it will felicitate vehicles to cross the intersection at Tong Diversion Road without any signal, he said.

As the road will be constructed around the lake, it will reduce the chance of encroachment, said Anwarul Iqbal adding that the move to reclaim the Hatirjheel-Begunbari canal was still on.

A total of 134 acres land, owned by different organisations, and 111 acres, owned by individuals, have to be acquired to implement the project, he said.

‘Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha will acquire the land,’ he said.

Four power point presentations for four separate projects related to the east-west road connection were presented at the briefing.

Apart from the roads, two bridges would be constructed over the Dhanmondi Lake, he said.

Traffic congestion of Mahakhali has been shifted to the Jahangir Gate because of Mohakhali flyover and it would reduce significantly after the completion of the Jahangir Gate- Agargaon Road, he said, adding two underpasses/tunnels will also be constructed at Shanheenbagh and at Agargaon under the project.

If all the planned roads are constructed, the east-west road network will be larger than that in the north-south, he said.

http://www.newagebd.com/met.html

[sas]

is that United Heights on the left of the picture?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/gulshanbuildings59.jpg

I think T-Mac's right. That is United Heights. It's going to be a HUGE building.

[Tmac]

GBB-Haider Tower

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/gbbhaidertower.jpg

[Tmac]

Ecnec gives go-ahead to Hatirjheel project
11 other schemes involving Tk 3,584cr also okayed

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) yesterday approved Tk 1,474 crore Hatirjheel Integrated Development Project aimed to address much of the city's waterlogging and traffic congestion problems.

In addition, 11 other projects involving Tk 3,584 crore were also okayed in yesterday's meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed.

Starting this fiscal year, the Hatirjheel project will establish an east-west transport link in the capital stretching over Karwan Bazar-Tejgaon-Malibagh-Rampura-Gulshan belt. It will be completed by 2010.

Once the project begins, the establishments falling under its 245-acre area including 15-storey BGMEA building, FBCCI and BKMEA buildings, fuelling stations and some residences, will come under demolition.

When the issue of demolition was raised at the meeting, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed said that existing laws would take their due course in this regard, sources said.

Talking to the reporters after the meeting, Planning Secretary Zafar Ahmed Chowdhury could not confirm whether the BGMEA building will have to be demolished or not. "I can't confirm you as the project paper is not with me."

The meeting approved Tk 5,058 crore for implementing the 12 projects, including the Hatirjheel project. Of the total expenditure, Tk 1,609 crore comes from the donors.

The government will have to acquire nearly 245 acres of land involving Tk 1010 crore to implement the long-awaiting project. Of the land, 133.40 acres are government properties while 111.3434 acres are under private ownership.

To acquire the private land, the government will have to pay Tk 459.48 crore while the government land will be acquired through book of transfer.

Under the project, the Begunbari canal will be dredged to prevent flooding and waterlogging.

In addition, low-lying areas in the middle of Hatirjheel will be developed and the wastewater will be disposed. Roads and walkways will be built around the whole Hatirjheel area to check illegal grabbing of land and stop traffic congestion.

Besides, there will be driveways by the canal from behind Hotel Sonargaon to Rampura, an overpass on the Tongi Diversion Road on the east part of Panthapath, bridge connecting Moghbazar Wireless Gate and Tejgaon Industrial Area, forestation, bus bays and parking spaces.

Eleven kilometres of road and footpath, 14-kilometre walkway, 320-metre bridge and 250-metre overpass will be built.

Other projects got the go-ahead yesterday include National Agriculture Technological Project (first phase) at Tk 604 crore, Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Capacity Building Project at Tk 119 crore, Regional Fisheries and Livestock Development Project (Barisal Component) at Tk 101 crore, Regional Fisheries and Livestock Development Project (Noakhali Component) at Tk 77 crore and Moulvibazar Meteorological Radar System Setup Project at Tk 88 crore.

In addition, systems loss reducing of acquired electricity lines (revised project) estimated at Tk1024 crore, Shikolbaha 150 MW power plant construction at Tk 778 crore, construction of bridge over Bolleshwar river (revised project) at Tk 36 crore, shed, expansion and development of Dhaka Railway Station (revised project) at Tk 30 crore, BMR of KPM Ltd project at Tk 182 crore and Leather Industry City, Dhaka, (revised) project at Tk 545 crore were also approved.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=7238

[tanzirian]

^^ It is unfortunate that they could not work out some compromise rather than demolishing these structures especially BGMEA. On the other hand this project may beautify the area...currently the road is lined with billboards to hide the shanties along the lake...a view which has greeted many foreign notables staying at Sonargaon. Speaking of Sonargaon this project probably also condemns the planned extension to the hotel.

[SarafIndian]

Hi Guys,
What about the Dhaka metro rail project? Dhaka desperately needs a metro rail network..

[tanzirian]

Hi Guys,
What about the Dhaka metro rail project? Dhaka desperately needs a metro rail network..

There is a thread about that somewhere....and yes it would be very beneficial...but cost and logistical challenges are great for a country like ours. It's in the planning stages now.

[sas]

^^ It is unfortunate that they could not work out some compromise rather than demolishing these structures especially BGMEA. On the other hand this project may beautify the area...currently the road is lined with billboards to hide the shanties along the lake...a view which has greeted many foreign notables staying at Sonargaon. Speaking of Sonargaon this project probably also condemns the planned extension to the hotel.

Well Sonargaon's extension/renovation work has been stalled for a long time. There are a lot of corruption charges against a majority of the government officials who approved the tender at the time last year.

You guys also realize that this entire Hatirjheel/Begunbari canal project also means bye-bye Hilton?

[tanzirian]

^^ The reason Sonargaon's renovation / expansion stalled initially is of course unrelated to the current land use debate but this decision pretty much kills off the "expansion" part of those plans. Still the "renovation" part should be able to proceed once the hotel finds a new partner for the project. I hope the best for Sonargaon since I think it is still the best designed hotel in BD...more the pity that it first gets caught up with Orion's problems then now these Hatirjheel plans.

And of course this means bye bye Hilton...unless they find another piece of land somewhere else.

[sas]

I agree with you totally - Sonargaon is probably the most well designed hotel in the country and it is sad to see it at the state at which it is at the moment. Its facilities are ageing by the day and it badly needs to be revamped. Moreover, the advent of Radisson and Westin (along with the renovation of Sheraton) has definitely had a detrimental effect on the hotel's image. Moreover, the staff and general service at the two new hotels is far far superior compared to that of Sonargaon. Even considering the quality of the restaurants at Sonargaon, compared to those at Sheraton - I really do not have too much of an idea as to how well they run. All this from my personal experience of course.

[tanzirian]

I agree with you totally - Sonargaon is probably the most well designed hotel in the country and it is sad to see it at the state at which it is at the moment. Its facilities are ageing by the day and it badly needs to be revamped. Moreover, the advent of Radisson and Westin (along with the renovation of Sheraton) has definitely had a detrimental effect on the hotel's image. Moreover, the staff and general service at the two new hotels is far far superior compared to that of Sonargaon. Even considering the quality of the restaurants at Sonargaon, compared to those at Sheraton - I really do not have too much of an idea as to how well they run. All this from my personal experience of course.

This was also my experience when I visited Sonargaon in January...it was nothing like the great place I had memories of. The whole just looked depressed and gloomy. The food wasn't even up to what I eat at some of the franchise restaurants here in the US.

I hope this hotel is able to revive properly. The public spaces are very beautifully designed. Does anyone remember the original decor of the lobby?...this was a kind of "Bangla Mughal" style which also harmonized with the adjacent Mughal-style fountain court. This decor was changed around 1990 (possibly to increase seating) but I never liked it as much. I have a small pic of the original lobby decor...which I will post some time.

It seems that plans for Four Seasons to buy the hotel have gone nowhere. Which is a shame...I had hoped that such a takeover would help transform the hotel into a truly world class facility.

[sas]

Well I guess Tan another reason is that people have moved on and have more grand hotels to look at with the inception of the Westin and the Radisson. The Sonargaon was without a doubt the jewel in the crown of Dhaka. But it is no longer the case. I had iftar at Cafe Bazaar last week. And there was a little deli-like place at the lobby, but all the food was displayed on plastic 'melamine' plates which I found absolutely appalling. That just looked wrong. Moreover, as I have said, the actual service provided by the staff at the two new hotels is way way better. Moreover, in terms of location I feel those two are located more conveniently. But Four Seasons would have definitely brought a new change.

[tanzirian]

^^ You are right, the sudden increase in high end lodging has probably outpaced demand, and with the newer places naturally getting more attention, that doesn't leave much for the older ones. Not to mention, Gulshan (and the north in general) is a more desirable area to stay in than Kawran Bazar (back in 1981, when the hotel was built, travel times were so short that it didn't really matter where the hotel was...you could probably have gotten from Kawran to Gulshan in ten minutes or so). Still, factoring in the rate at which the economy is expected grow, plus the population of Dhaka, there is certainly room for all current high end hotels to be successful. If it makes it through the current crisis and finds an investor or parent corp willing to pony up the dough for improvements, then it can be a standard-setter once again.

[tareq79]

I guess there is an intro to this project somewhere in the projects threads. I visited this place a couple weeks back to meet a friend staying not too far from here. It looks to be nice place in future once finished. I saw the rendering of the whole project, so I see its halfway finished in terms of number of buildings. They ve plan to make superstores and artificial lakes as well. But the main drawback is the approach road, it presently is a very narrow one, but there is a planned road touching Basundhara which is supposed to be wide enough. I heard there are quite a lot (Swades, I forgot other names already!) other housing projects are coming up around this place. What intrigues is, Dhaka will see huge expansion in these areas in next 20-30 years.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/lakecityconcord.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03801.jpg

[tareq79]

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03800.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03802.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03803.jpg

[Tmac]

nice one Tareq!!

[tareq79]

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03810.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03808.jpg

[tareq79]

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03811.jpg

[tareq79]

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03805.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/DSC03807.jpg

[tanzirian]

Is that Nikunjo in center of first pic of post 631? Thanks for the pics.

[mirzazeehan]

Yes Tan,you can see the Lotus Kamal Tower and Nitol-Niloy Tower in Nikunjo in the first pic.Since the area has been declared the future commercial center of Dhaka,we are expecting something like the Great Wall of Banani(13 skyscrapers together) there in a few years time.

[mirzazeehan]

Great pics Tareq...keep up the good work.

[mirzazeehan]

^^ The reason Sonargaon's renovation / expansion stalled initially is of course unrelated to the current land use debate but this decision pretty much kills off the "expansion" part of those plans. Still the "renovation" part should be able to proceed once the hotel finds a new partner for the project. I hope the best for Sonargaon since I think it is still the best designed hotel in BD...more the pity that it first gets caught up with Orion's problems then now these Hatirjheel plans.

And of course this means bye bye Hilton...unless they find another piece of land somewhere else.

I dont think we need to say "bye bye" to Hilton..an illuminated Billboard still exists infront of the construction site...plus they have also brought some sort of machine..which is probably to suck water out of hatirjheel so that construction can begin.

[mirzazeehan]

Well guys,its that time that I give you your Eid present from me...the latest construction update!:lol:

Theres alot of good news,work has resumed on projects that have been stalled for sometime..such projects include Jabbar Tower,Rupayun Karim Tower,Rangs Tower,Convex Tower,NGL Tower,etc.Below are some pics I took recently:


BijoyNagar

Unknown Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02617.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02613.jpg

20 Mahtab Tower and 18 Convex Tower Rising side by side

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02618.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02619.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02620.jpg

18 storey Al-Razi Complex

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02622.jpg

13 storey Akram Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02627.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02626.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02621.jpg

20 Storey Saiham Sky View Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02628.jpg

12 Storey Navana Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/navanabuildingatkakrailbijoynagar.jpg

Kakrail

18 storey Unknown Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02614.jpg

Unknown 15 storey Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02583.jpg

20 storey Rupayun Karim Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02611.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02629.jpg

Gulshan

15 storey Jabbar Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02587.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02588.jpg

27 storey Doreen Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02597.jpg

Panthopath

9 storey Royal Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02610.jpg

24 storey Monem Financial District

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02608.jpg

15 storey Square Hospital Wing and 15 Storey Ena Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02560.jpg

Farm Gate

NGL Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02605.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02606.jpg

[Tmac]

Mirza, I would definitely give you some Eidee for those pics. Great work as usual!

[sas]

I dont think we need to say "bye bye" to Hilton..an illuminated Billboard still exists infront of the construction site...plus they have also brought some sort of machine..which is probably to suck water out of hatirjheel so that construction can begin.

Well Mirza it's always good to be optimistic. But from what we're reading in the papers about the Hatirjheel/Begunbari project, from word of mouth on the street and from the way there hasn't been the slightest hint of any kind of progress with the Hilton (note it was October 2006 when news about the Hilton was officially announced - so it's been exactly one year), we have no choice but to feel that the future with this project looks bleak. Moreover, I don't want to be too hopeful and then see it end up being like the Intercontinental/Holiday Inn venture. Mind you, those I think still have their billboards on!

But I definitely want the Hatirjheel/Begunbari project to be implemented if the Hilton fails - Dhaka's drainage system improves drastically and the area will experiences significant gentrification - so we hope.

[tanzirian]

I dont think we need to say "bye bye" to Hilton..an illuminated Billboard still exists infront of the construction site...plus they have also brought some sort of machine..which is probably to suck water out of hatirjheel so that construction can begin.

Pretty much what SAS said...the Hilton land is one of the properties believed to have been acquired improperly, since it was allocated as floodwater drainage area per city masterplan. Now they are thinking of even tearing down BGMEA which also sits on such a spot, so I doubt current govt would allow new construction. What happens after next year is another question...

Honestly I don't care whether or not Hilton gets built at this particular spot. For me it's much more unfortunate that the Hatirjheel plans have scuttled Sonargaon improvement plans. I don't want the current malaise at Sonargaon to persist...this hotel was the first truly world class one in the city and its public spaces are (or were) more visually attractive than anything built since.

[enu]

^^
You are right. Sonargoan Hotel is the truly five star hotel in the city.

[sas]

Pretty much what SAS said...the Hilton land is one of the properties believed to have been acquired improperly, since it was allocated as floodwater drainage area per city masterplan. Now they are thinking of even tearing down BGMEA which also sits on such a spot, so I doubt current govt would allow new construction. What happens after next year is another question...

Honestly I don't care whether or not Hilton gets built at this particular spot. For me it's much more unfortunate that the Hatirjheel plans have scuttled Sonargaon improvement plans. I don't want the current malaise at Sonargaon to persist...this hotel was the first truly world class one in the city and its public spaces are (or were) more visually attractive than anything built since.

Well Sonargaon itself was a lost cause when our 'moharani' didn't do anything with the offer given by the Saudi Prince, where he was willing to purchase the entire property, revamp the entire hotel and turn it into a 'truly world class' Four Seasons. And to further worsen the situation, she handed over (or should I say, presented) responsibility of renovation to the Orion Group. The hotel currently neither has a swimming pool nor a fitness center. And they serve food on melamine plates in the lobby snack bar! The hotel's revenues have seen a drastic fall of late and I strongly believe it needs to be sold off to a private buyer in order to have any sort of future.

[Tmac]

is that Baitul Mukarram renovation work? Are they building a gate or something?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/baitulmukarram20.jpg

[tanzirian]

is that Baitul Mukarram renovation work? Are they building a gate or something?

You are probably right, that is probably a new gate. I had posted an image similar to the one below with some similar questions previously. As you can see from the image, in addition to the minaret, other are some other changes afood. The structure in your post is probably a new gate. The garden and pool in the south courtyard are gone and have been paved over. The east courtyard seems to have some trellis-like structure above it.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/baitul-3.jpg

[Tmac]

another photo of the Baitul Mukarram renovation.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/baitulmukarram21.jpg

[tanzirian]

^^ The photo above must be more recent than the GoogleEarth image. Now we can see that they are building a permanent roof over the east courtyard - not just a canopy - and thus likely extending the prayer hall to include this formerly open space.

[Tmac]

Mirza, photos posted by you of this project on June 30th and again on October 13th.....it appears no progress have been made. What's up with that? Is it stalled for some reason?

June 30th, 2007
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01897.jpg


October 13th, 2007
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02614.jpg

[Tmac]

this is also another project that has been on for a long time? Any visible progress in this one?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/Tarikpix/mohakhali29.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/Tarikpix/mohakhali5.jpg

[Tmac]

what about this one?

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02535.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC02499.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

Tmac,no progress is visible in the first two projects..I am not sure about the present condition of the third one.I wouldn't say those projects are stalled,cause if you look back you will find that both these projects have made progress at an awfully slow pace.Perhaps fund crisis or some other such reason is keeping them from completing the projects fast.

[tanzirian]

^^ All these stalled projects are likely related to either the corruption crackdown or to uncertainty about the future political direction of the country. They will likely restart when these issues start to resolve themselves.

[Tmac]

under construction 27 storied Doreen Tower

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/doreentower30.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/doreentower31.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/gulshanbuildings64.jpg

[Tmac]

Rangs Panorama

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/dhakaapartments163.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/dhakaapartments165.jpg

[Tmac]

under construction apartment projects

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/dhakaapartments160.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/dhakaapartments161.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/dhakaapartments162.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/dhakaapartments164.jpg

[Tmac]

under construction Rangs Tower in Motijheel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/rangstower5.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

Thanks for the pics Tmac.Rangs tower is visibly making progress..quite impressive taking into account all the trouble Rangs people are good through.

[Tmac]

BEGUNBARI-HATIRJHEEL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
BUET team starts feasibility study next week

A team of Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology starts from next week the detailed feasibility study on the development of Begunbari-Hatirjheel.

The Executive Committee of National Economic Council, the government’s highest policy making body, on October 8 approved a Tk 1473.58 crore for the development of the canal to ease the city’s nagging water-logging and traffic congestion.

‘We will start conducting detailed feasibility study on Begunbari-Hatirjheel Canal from the next week as part of the development of the canal,’ said Professor Mujibur Rahman of BUET on Wednesday. Mujibur led a BUET team that conducted preliminary study on a portion of the canal in 2004.

It will take six months to complete the study, which will be done in two phases, he said.

‘In the first phase, we will conduct field survey and it will take two months to be completed. In the second phase, we will conduct study on the traffic system, environmental assessment, drainage and design of road network,’ he said.

In the preliminary study conducted in 2004, the BUET team suggested excavation of a 100-foot wide channel from Sonargaon Hotel to Tongi Diversion Road.

‘Now the entire water body, Begunbari-Hatirjheel Khal, will be protected under the project and no new structure will be allowed there,’ he said.

Of the total project cost, the government will finance Tk 1,323 crore while Tk 150 crore is expected to come from the Japan Development Cooperation Fund.

Under the project, about 245 acres of land will be acquired at a cost of Tk 101 crore, while Tk 40.80 crore will be spent on construction of storm sewerage lines, Tk 18 crore for pipe drain, Tk 55 crore for 11 kilometres of road on both banks of the canal, Tk 20.58 crore for silt disposal, Tk 51 crore for beatification (from — to Rampura bridge) and Tk 40 crore for a 250-metre overpass at Panthapath crossing.

All the lanes and by-lanes in the areas will be connected with the planed peripheral road, which will reduce the congestion of the area.

The excavation work will be done under the project to remove organic soil of the canal and make the water pure, said project director Haider Ali.

A four-lane overpass will be constructed from the Tongi Diversion Road to connect the Panthapath Road with the planned peripheral road, for which vehicles will be able to cross the Tong Diversion Road intersection without any signal, he said.

http://www.newagebd.com/nat.html

[iamthedevil60]

is that United Heights on the left of the picture?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/gulshanbuildings59.jpg

confirmed...that's not the heights building...that's the delta life insurance building. i knew it was another building as the other construction is still in its early stages...just did not remember the name ..

[mirzazeehan]

confirmed...that's not the heights building...that's the delta life insurance building. i knew it was another building as the other construction is still in its early stages...just did not remember the name ..

Oh,I thought the building that is already 10 storey tall was UH.Anybody know how tall the Delta Life Insurance Tower would be?

[Tmac]

well the following link says Delta Life Insurance Building will be a 28 storied one.

http://203.208.166.84/bashir/Consultancy.HTM

Emporis says it will be a 25 storied building.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=242171

and what's up with the 20 storied corporate headquarters building of Arab Bangladesh Bank Limited at 82 Kakrail Road, Dhaka?

[mirzazeehan]

well the following link says Delta Life Insurance Building will be a 28 storied one.

http://203.208.166.84/bashir/Consultancy.HTM

Emporis says it will be a 25 storied building.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=242171

and what's up with the 20 storied corporate headquarters building of Arab Bangladesh Bank Limited at 82 Kakrail Road, Dhaka?

A 28 storey building at Gulshan 2 would be great for the gulshan skyline.I am not aware of ABB's headquaters at kakrail.Given that the bank already has two low rise buildings(opp to each other) at Kakrail..I would say they may wish to tear down one and replace it with a 20 storey building.

[tanzirian]

Speaking of Emporis, I noticed many years back that both Emporis and Skyscraperpage listed one "Eastern Federal Credit Union" building supposedly built in 1972 as having 27 stories. To my knowledge there is no such building (the only one I can think of, perhaps, is the ugly BCIS building...I am not sure which year it was built but I doubt anything was being built immediately after independence and at any rate I'm pretty sure it's not 27 stories). Also they state Bangladesh Bank having been completed in 1985 which I know is not correct...it was finished around 1990. Long time ago when Emporis was called "Skyscrapers.com" (or something like that) I emailed them about these facts, saying I thought they were incorrect, but of course they never bothered about it. So I don't know how much stock I would put on the Emporis data.

[Tmac]

It looks like Dhaka Metropolitan Police Headquarter is even getting some expansion action.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/dmph.jpg

[Tmac]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/imlib.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/imlib3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/imlib2.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

Hey guys,I will gone for a while as I am starting for Coxsbazar tonight,and wont be back before the 25th.Will take as many pics as I can of our Tourist and Business capitals.Till then...heres all I got


18 storey Red Crescent Trade Center,Motijheel

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02669.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/RedCrescentTradecenter.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/RedCresecentTradecenter-1.jpg

18 storey Ideal Rabab Center,Shantinagar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02681.jpg

37 storey City Center,Motijheel

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02677.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02676.jpg

[tanzirian]

Have a nice trip, Mirza...will look forward to the goodies you bring back!

BTW do you know if Red Crescent is replacing an existing structure or being built on an empty lot? I would be happy to see it replace one of the ugly mid-20th cent. structures in Motijheel. Also Janata Bank needs a good washing...the paint has faded a lot and there are water stains. It is a really nice looking building but the upkeep hasn't been great.

[mirzazeehan]

Have a nice trip, Mirza...will look forward to the goodies you bring back!

BTW do you know if Red Crescent is replacing an existing structure or being built on an empty lot? I would be happy to see it replace one of the ugly mid-20th cent. structures in Motijheel. Also Janata Bank needs a good washing...the paint has faded a lot and there are water stains. It is a really nice looking building but the upkeep hasn't been great.

Thanks Tan...will surely try not to disappoint you:)

Sorry I have no idea if they are replacing their old building with this one or not,whatever the case,it promises to enhance the beauty of the Motijheel skyline.

[Tmac]

Govt to acquire 245 acres of land in Hatirjheel-Begunbari area

A total of 245 acres of land in Hatirjheel of Karwan Bazar and Begunbari canal areas in the city will be acquired for a lake, according to a recent directive, issued to the deputy commissioner (DC) of Dhaka, reports bdnews24.com.

The land acquisition drive may target the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) building, built in the project area, but no final decision has yet been taken.

LGRD Adviser Anwarul Iqbal however refused to comment on whether the building would be brought down. “I cannot say anything about it. RAJUK may say something,” he said Saturday.

RAJUK Chairman KMA Harun said, “It is too early to say whether the BGMEA building will be demolished, or whether it is legal or illegal. At the same time, it cannot yet be said what step the government is going to take about the building. However, the government will come to a decision soon.”

There is also property of the ministries of housing and public works, land and communications, and under private ownership in the area. The government owns 134 acres, while 111 acres are under private ownership.

“The land needs to be acquired for implementation of the project. The DC has been asked to take care of the matter. When the land is handed over after acquisition, RAJUK will start evicting illegal structures.”

The executive committee of the National Economic Council had decided to retrieve the lake in the Hatirjheel and Begunbari area. The local government division and RAJUK will implement the project.

BGMEA President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury said, the question of demolishing the BGMEA building does not arise. “It is not a property, owned by any individual.”

The BGMEA building was constructed on Begunbari canal a few yards away from the Panthapath main road. A senior RAJUK official said, there were allegations that no design approval had been taken before its construction.

BGMEA had sought permission to construct a bridge for access to the building from the main road. Dhaka City Corporation Thursday forwarded the proposal to the LGRD adviser, but it was not approved.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=14746

[Tmac]

Experts on Achieving Goals of Hatirjheel-Begunbari Project
Anything obstructing drainage flow has to be removed


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/begunbaricanal.jpg
Clockwise(from top-left): BGMEA building, plots for Hilton Hotel, BTMA Bhaban and FBCCI Bhaban.

Unauthorised structures in the city's Begunbari canal have to be removed and allotment of plots in the area must be cancelled to achieve the goals of Tk 1, 474 crore Begunbari-Hatirjheel integrated development project, said experts.

Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved the project on October 8 with a view to restoring water flow of the canal for drainage and easing east-west traffic load in the capital by constructing a ring-road.

Under the project, Begunbari canal will be dredged to mitigate waterlogging in the city.

Vice-chancellor of Brac University Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury who is a civil engineer and traffic planning expert, said, "There should not be any obstruction within the canal area if the project is aimed at serving drainage purposes restoring the Begunbari canal and Hatirjheel catchment area."

An expert team of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) led by Professor Mujibur Rahman has been employed to carry out a comprehensive feasibility study for detailed designing of the project.

The team is ready to start the study and it may take a little more than six months.

"Our priority in the detailed drainage study would be to ensure drainage facility and adequate flow of storm water," said Prof Rahman. "In case we find any structure in the channel that obstructs the drainage flow, we will recommend its removal."

LGRD and Cooperatives Adviser Md Anwarul Iqbal at an inter-ministerial meeting on October 18 instructed the authorities concerned not to allot land in the Begunbari canal area which would come under the Begunbari-Hatirjheel integrated development project.

Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP) earmarks the Begunbari canal as a natural canal and a designated flood flow zone, prohibiting any change to its character.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has constructed a 15-storey commercial building in the city's Begunbari canal area without obtaining design approval from the authorities.

The BNP government, at the fag end of its tenure, allotted four plots to Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Hotel Hilton (Millennium Holding Limited) and International Arbitration Centre in violation of environment and wetland conservation related laws.

The BNP government had also leased out eight large plots in the Bugunbari canal including four for CNG filling stations, not only in violation of the city's master plan but also bending Bangladesh Railway's land management rules of 2006, sources said.

According to high officials of Bangladesh Railway, the government has cancelled plot allotments in favour of BTMA and International Arbitration Centre. But it is yet to cancel allotments to FBCCI and Hotel Hilton.

While two former prime ministers -- Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina -- were involved in creation of the 'unauthorised' BGMEA building, the incumbent caretaker government too seems irresolute on what actions to take against it.

The then prime minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation plaque of the 15-storey high-rise on November 28, 1998 while another former premier Khaleda Zia inaugurated the complete building on October 8, 2006.

Chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) KAM Haroon said, "The BGMEA building is illegal, as it has not obtained design approval as of today. We will action as per recommendations of the Buet expert team."

The government is thinking on what action should be taken regarding BGMEA building, said Public Works Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein on August 2, replying to a question at a press briefing held at the secretariat on the Supreme Court verdict in favour of demolishing unauthorised height of the 22-storey Rangs Bhaban.

Mubasshar Hussain, president of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) said it is the duty of Prime Minister's Office (now Chief Adviser's Office) to check legality and authenticity of an establishment before the PM or chief adviser inaugurates it.

"The very presence of the country's chief executive at a site of illegal establishment creates not only embarrassment among the government agencies and officials concerned but also a false impression of authenticity among the general public," said Hussain, who is also chairman-elect (2007-2009) of Architecture Regional Council Asia.

The same team of Prof Mujibur Rahman carried out a similar survey in 2004 (final report submitted in 2005) in the Bengunbari canal and entire stretch of the Hatirjheel for a proposed 13-acre development scheme of Rajuk.

The Rajuk board at a meeting on 14 July 2003 instructed BGMEA to consult with the Buet expert team and obtain clearance for its 15-storey building, which BGMEA didn't.

Prof Mujibur Rahman said, "BGMEA did never turn up for any consultation with us."

Prof Rahman earlier said a structure like BGMEA building is 'not compatible' with the idea of developing and conserving the Begunbari canal as a sewer facility.

"This time, we will be all the more focused on ensuring environmental and drainage aspects of the Begunbari canal," said Prof Rahman.

Responding to BGMEA's claim that Buet team kept the BGMEA building 'fit-in' in the earlier survey, Prof Rahman said, "In fact, we just identified the building in our topographic survey as it was already in place as an existing object."

BGMEA President Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) said that they had started construction before obtaining design approval thinking they would certainly get the approval. "But I agree that rules-wise it has been an unauthorised work. We should have constructed the building only after having obtained the approval."

Regarding demolition and removal of various obstructions in the Begunbari canal and Hatirjheel, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed said at the Ecnec meeting that the issue would be resolved as per the existing laws, meeting sources said.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=8286

[Tmac]

Hatirjheel survey begins today for development

The joint forces and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Tecchnology (Buet) today starts conducting a survey in Hatirjheel and Begunbari canal area in the capital for construction of a connecting road between Rampura bridge and Panthapath under a Tk 1,474 crore project.

Two storm water retention ponds will also be dug -- one near Sonargaon Hotel and the other in Hatirjheel area -- under the project approved by the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec).

“A joint team of the law enforcers and Buet visited the area yesterday in preparation for the survey needed to design the road and ponds,” said Haider Ali, director of the project, scheduled to be completed within 30 months.

The project --Integrated development project of Hatirjheel and Begunbari area -- is being funded by the government. Of the project cost, Tk crore 550.52 will be paid simply through by book transfer for government land acquisition. And Tk 459.48 crore will be spent for acquiring 111 acres of private land for the project Ecnec approved on October 10, sources said.

Under the supervision of housing and public works ministry, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), Water and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) and Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) will implement the project with the help of Buet and joint forces.

It is a much-talked-about issue for long that Hatirjheel and Begunbari canals must be saved to protect the capital from inundation as these form the lone natural drainage system for storm water.

But over the years, various private organisations, influential locals and also government institutions have built structures on the canals choking and making those vulnerable.

According to a Rajuk survey, there are more than 1,200 illegal establishments in the canal area.

Local Government and Rural Development Adviser Anwarul Iqbal recently said all illegal establishments including Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) building will be demolished. “Whatever structures are built without approval in Begunbari and Hatirjheel area will be demolished,” he told a meeting at the ministry.

At the meeting, he also directed Rajuk officials not to approve any new structures in the area. From now on, things will be done keeping in view the vital project, he noted.

Officials of Rajuk and LGED said the storm retention pond near Sonargaon Hotel will be a 5,03,904-square metre one.

The LGED will build a 11 km road on both sides of the canals. It will also build a 320-metre connecting bridge between the two roads, a 250-metre overpass and a 14- km long walkway.

Wasa will build a 6.8-km storm sewerage line, two km pipe drain, four km main sewerage line and two lift stations to drain out water.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=8678

[Tmac]

Bhasantek Rehabilitation Project
A thousand 'dream' apartments ready for slum dwellers

At long last, a thousand fortunate families from the impoverished section of the society might be able to move in to their dream apartments at the Bhashantek Rehabilitation Project -- provided the selection process is not "influenced" by the influentials.

The government-funded Bhashantek Rehabilitation Project to rehabilitate slum dwellers or the underprivileged population of the city is likely to see the light of day as the construction of around 1,000 apartments have so far been completed.

http://www.thedailystar.net/photos/2007-10-24__city08.jpg
A partial view of the apartments at Bhasantek.

The implementing partner of the project, North South Property Development Limited (NSPDL), was awarded the task by the then government in 2003 to build 15,024 low-income housing facilities by the year 2009.

At the Bhashantek Rehabilitation Project, there are two types of apartments -- Type "A" and Type "B". Type "A" apartments are designed especially for slum dwellers, whereas Type "B" apartments are designed for low-income people.

The implementers of the project, however, have not yet been successful to convince the sceptic underprivileged that the selection process would be fair for all eligible applicants.

At the Bhashantek project, this correspondent came across Mokhles, a tea stall owner at Rupnagar residential area. Mokhles was visiting the project site with a hope to apply for a Type "B" apartment.

"Even though many of my neighbours, who had been disqualified to be eligible for the apartments, discouraged me to come here saying that the authorities are biased towards the influential, I've decided to check it out myself," said Mokhles, adding, "I don't really know what's gonna happen though."

When asked, Abdur Rahim, chairman and managing director of NSPDL, said, "Don't pay attention to the rumours -- see it for yourself. If you are not a real slum dweller or a low-income person, it is very difficult to be eligible here."

He said by December this year, 1,000 apartments for slum dwellers or low-income people will be ready for handover to eligible recipients.

Moreover, under the project, NSPDL is targeting to construct 5,000 apartments by December 2008, he added.

Although the firm will have to build around 9,000 apartments alone during the last year of the project, in 2009, an optimistic Rahim said, "If everything goes smoothly, we will deliver all the 15,024 apartments within December 2009."

On the slow progress of the construction work, he said the work slowed down during the previous political government as a vested politically influential quarter created numerous obstacles for the firm after the firm refused to give in to undue demands.

The construction of the 1,000 apartments gained pace after the present government took over, Rahim said adding, "The present government is not doing anything in particular to help us, but it is not creating any obstacle for us either."

In future, NSPDL wishes to play a significant role in solving the housing problem of the slum dwellers and the low-income people by constructing at least 1 million apartments for them on the outskirts around the city, he added.

At the Bhashantek Rehabilitation Project, the Type "A" apartments are designed especially for slum dwellers and priced at Tk 2 lakh each. The 215-square-foot apartment has one room with a kitchen and a toilet.

To apply for eligibility for a Type "A" apartment, a slum dweller is required to pay Tk 100 for an application form and turn in the filled out form along with a refundable deposit of Tk 10,000 as well as an eligibility certificate from the local ward commissioner. If disqualified, the deposit will be refunded to the applicant within 120 days.

If the applicant is declared eligible, the balance of the apartment price is to be paid in instalments -- around Tk 3,200 -- within five years.

Type "B" apartments are designed for low-income people and the price is set at Tk 3,90,000 each. The 395-square-foot Type "B" apartment has a bedroom, a drawing room, a kitchen and a toilet.

The application form for Type "B" apartment costs Tk 200 and the deposit required is Tk 50,000.

An eligible applicant will have less than five years to pay off the balance of the apartment's price in instalments of Tk 14,200.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=8577

[Banglabir]

Bhasantek Rehabilitation Project
A thousand 'dream' apartments ready for slum dwellers

At long last, a thousand fortunate families from the impoverished section of the society might be able to move in to their dream apartments at the Bhashantek Rehabilitation Project -- provided the selection process is not "influenced" by the influentials.

The government-funded Bhashantek Rehabilitation Project to rehabilitate slum dwellers or the underprivileged population of the city is likely to see the light of day as the construction of around 1,000 apartments have so far been completed.

http://www.thedailystar.net/photos/2007-10-24__city08.jpg
A partial view of the apartments at Bhasantek.

The implementing partner of the project, North South Property Development Limited (NSPDL), was awarded the task by the then government in 2003 to build 15,024 low-income housing facilities by the year 2009.

At the Bhashantek Rehabilitation Project, there are two types of apartments -- Type "A" and Type "B". Type "A" apartments are designed especially for slum dwellers, whereas Type "B" apartments are designed for low-income people.

The implementers of the project, however, have not yet been successful to convince the sceptic underprivileged that the selection process would be fair for all eligible applicants.

At the Bhashantek project, this correspondent came across Mokhles, a tea stall owner at Rupnagar residential area. Mokhles was visiting the project site with a hope to apply for a Type "B" apartment.

"Even though many of my neighbours, who had been disqualified to be eligible for the apartments, discouraged me to come here saying that the authorities are biased towards the influential, I've decided to check it out myself," said Mokhles, adding, "I don't really know what's gonna happen though."

When asked, Abdur Rahim, chairman and managing director of NSPDL, said, "Don't pay attention to the rumours -- see it for yourself. If you are not a real slum dweller or a low-income person, it is very difficult to be eligible here."

He said by December this year, 1,000 apartments for slum dwellers or low-income people will be ready for handover to eligible recipients.

Moreover, under the project, NSPDL is targeting to construct 5,000 apartments by December 2008, he added.

Although the firm will have to build around 9,000 apartments alone during the last year of the project, in 2009, an optimistic Rahim said, "If everything goes smoothly, we will deliver all the 15,024 apartments within December 2009."

On the slow progress of the construction work, he said the work slowed down during the previous political government as a vested politically influential quarter created numerous obstacles for the firm after the firm refused to give in to undue demands.

The construction of the 1,000 apartments gained pace after the present government took over, Rahim said adding, "The present government is not doing anything in particular to help us, but it is not creating any obstacle for us either."

In future, NSPDL wishes to play a significant role in solving the housing problem of the slum dwellers and the low-income people by constructing at least 1 million apartments for them on the outskirts around the city, he added.

At the Bhashantek Rehabilitation Project, the Type "A" apartments are designed especially for slum dwellers and priced at Tk 2 lakh each. The 215-square-foot apartment has one room with a kitchen and a toilet.

To apply for eligibility for a Type "A" apartment, a slum dweller is required to pay Tk 100 for an application form and turn in the filled out form along with a refundable deposit of Tk 10,000 as well as an eligibility certificate from the local ward commissioner. If disqualified, the deposit will be refunded to the applicant within 120 days.

If the applicant is declared eligible, the balance of the apartment price is to be paid in instalments -- around Tk 3,200 -- within five years.

Type "B" apartments are designed for low-income people and the price is set at Tk 3,90,000 each. The 395-square-foot Type "B" apartment has a bedroom, a drawing room, a kitchen and a toilet.

The application form for Type "B" apartment costs Tk 200 and the deposit required is Tk 50,000.

An eligible applicant will have less than five years to pay off the balance of the apartment's price in instalments of Tk 14,200.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=8577

great news..........for bangladeshi poor people.

[tanzirian]

^^ Good for Dhaka too...a move away from shanties.

[Tmac]

anyone know what this under construction building is?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/unknownconstruction24.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

anyone know what this under construction building is?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/unknownconstruction24.jpg

This is a building in Shahbagh just beside Birdem Hospital.I have heard that its an extension of the hospital which already has two 15 storey buildings beside this one.

[Tmac]

Demand to scrap decision to give 25 acres to Dhaka Club

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA) Wednesday demanded cancellation of the Public Works Ministry decision to give 25 acres of land to the Dhaka Club for a golf course at the Suhrawardy Udyan in the city, reports UNB.

The area earmarked for the golf course has already been handed over to the Dhaka Club under an agreement signed June 18 between the Public Works Ministry and the Dhaka Club.

Talking to reporters after visiting the planned golf course site at the Suhrawardy Udyan, BAPA Vice President Kazi Madina said:

"Suhrawardy Udyan is the lung of Dhaka city… people of the country have been shocked to hear the news."

She said: "We're not against sports. But the area under Suhrawardy Udyan shall remain open for all. If the golf course is made, then a certain area will be restricted and many trees felled. This will put a negative impact on the environment."

The BAPA vice president said this was also a historical place from where the call for independence movement came. "So, we must preserve the place in the greater interest of the nation."

She said they would soon go to the chief adviser's office to request him to withdraw the decision so that everyone can use this green heaven for recreation.

BAPA General Secretary Abdul Matin Khan said they would try to create public opinion against the move to create a golf course inside Suhrawardy Udyan.

Replying to a query, BAPA Joint Secretary Zakir Hossain said the government got the land from the Nawab of Dhaka and then gave it to the Dhaka Club. Later, considering the national interest, the government again reclaimed the land from the Club.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=16600

http://www.thedailystar.net/photos/2007-11-08__back01.jpg
This satellite image shows the greenery of Suhrawardi Udyan. One third of the park is to be handed over to Dhaka Club for developing a golf course.


Suhrawardi Udyan
Govt decision to lease out 25acre greenery sparks uproar

A government decision to hand more than one third of Suhrawardi Udyan to Dhaka Club for golfing would take away a breathing place from the city residents, environmentalists yesterday said.

The housing and public works ministry on June 18 gave the club temporary permission to use the park's 25 acres of land, out of 68 acres, as a golf course which stretches from the Engineers Institute gate to Tin Netar Majar (the memorial to three national leaders).

City residents use the downtown park for jogging, children as a playground and for the homeless it is home.

Dhaka Club, meantime, is all set to host a golf competition at the venue from November 9, for which the club authorities would soon start fencing the area to restrict access to it, sources said.

Protesting the government decision, green activists, under the banner of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa), urged the administration to reconsider its move as the city is steadily losing its green patches.

Apart from being the breathing place of the people, the park is tied to the independence struggle of the country, Bapa President Dr Abdul Matin told a Suhrawardi Udyan gathering and urged the government to keep the park as a public place.

He said they will soon meet the housing and public works adviser to press home their demand, noting that leasing the ground will deny the people access to the city green.

"We're not against sports, but the area should be kept open to all", said the environmental group's Vice President Kazi Madina.

"We must preserve the area in the greater interests of the nation", she added.

Bapa Treasurer Mohidul Haque Khan, Prof Khandoker Bazlul Haque and Md Alamgir Kabir were also present at the gathering.

According to Prof Muntasir Mamoon of history department at Dhaka University, the British rulers took over a large chunk of Nawab estate in Ramna in 1941, from which it leased 524 bighas of land to Dhaka Club, 190 bighas were turned into a race course and 19 bighas into a golf course.

The post-independence Bangladesh government opened the area to the public, entrusting the public works ministry with its maintenance.

The ministry said the once 100-acre land shrank over the years because of erecting structures like Engineers Institute, Sarak Bhaban and Police Control Room round its perimeter.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=10744

[Tmac]

Demand to scrap decision to give 25 acres to Dhaka Club

I wasn't even aware of this story. Why would the government decide to give away this historic park for a golf course?

[meghnarmajhi]

I vote against it. Ramna park and Suhrawardy Uddyan should not leased out. Dhaka club should find and develop some land outside of the city.

[tanzirian]

I wasn't even aware of this story. Why would the government decide to give away this historic park for a golf course?

I am against this...giving away land from one of the few good public parks in Dhaka to an elite private club. Already construction of the March 7th monument has occupied much of the park...building a golf course on the remainder would leave practically no trees or shaded public space. I am not sure what kind of golf course they would build on this small amount of land anyways...a mini-golf put-put course?

[Tmac]

I am against it as well. Why would they just give away one of the most historic sites in Dhaka? They have rooom for a par 3 nine hole course at best.

[meghnarmajhi]

We sound like a bunch of "NIMBY's". :lol:

[sas]

We sound like a bunch of "NIMBY's". :lol:

That's actually quite funny... just out of pure curiosity... did you happen to take any classes on Urban Econ?

[meghnarmajhi]

Nope... pure science here. Why? NIMBY? I think most SSC people know it.

[snoq]

Govt decision to lease out 25acre greenery sparks uproar

There is still a pending allegation for corruption against an ex minister because he also donated 1 or 3 acre of unused railway land to a prominent human rights organization.

Now this interim entity gave 25 acres of public land for social elite recreation.
At the same time evicted poorest of poor from their slum home!Umm....hypocrisy at grand scale!

Oh there is a new self proclaimed law from interim entity - ‘doctrine of necessity’

[meghnarmajhi]

There is still a pending allegation for corruption against an ex minister because he also donated 1 or 3 acre of unused railway land to a prominent human rights organization.

Now this interim entity gave 25 acres of public land for social elite recreation.
At the same time evicted poorest of poor from their slum home!Umm....hypocrisy at grand scale!

Oh there is a new self proclaimed law from interim entity - ‘doctrine of necessity’

As you can see, Snoq - we are not supporting giving 25 acres of public land for social elite recreation either. Three of the forumers have already expressed their disagreement with the decision. Don't be surprised if a forumer favors the decision. This is how we discuss things. We are not chamcha or absolute critic of the government.

[snoq]

My comment has nothing about anyone view or remarks, rather directed to point out interim entity activities.

[tanzirian]

My comment has nothing about anyone view or remarks, rather directed to point out interim entity activities.

His point was, that you have criticized forumers here for being gullible or deceptive or blinded by "interim entity stunt show", when they agree with any decision by CTG. Yet somehow same people you have labeled as such see fit to criticize interim entity on manner of arrests, media crackdown, infastructure demolition, land deals, etc. Strange.

[snoq]

His point was, that you have criticized forumers here for being gullible or deceptive or blinded by "interim entity stunt show", when they agree with any decision by CTG. Yet somehow same people you have labeled as such see fit to criticize interim entity on manner of arrests, media crackdown, infastructure demolition, land deals, etc. Strange.

I think majhi can talk for himself and my above comments are in the context of this discussion only.

BUT

You need to grow up rather talking like a 12 year old. My above comments are in the context of this specific topic of 25 acres of land. Comments on other thread were made according to discussion context and rightly so.

[tanzirian]

I think majhi can talk for himself and my above comments are in the context of this discussion only.

BUT

You need to grow up rather talking like a 12 year old. My above comments are in the context of this specific topic of 25 acres of land. Comments on other thread were made according to discussion context and rightly so.

More insults...no surprise.

[Tmac]

easy fellas! What's up with insults and personal attacks? Let's cool it.

[meghnarmajhi]

no fighting, guys .... please. Let's all enjoy the forum. Let's move on. In my previous post I wasn't critisizing your comment. Maybe I should have worded it differently.

[tanzirian]

Sorry for being off topic...I will hold my twelve-year-old-deceitful-hollow-burrow tongue :D

[Tmac]

GULSHAN-BANANI-BARIDHARA LAKE DEVELOPMENT
Tk 327.15cr proposal awaits ECNEC nod

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha has decided to develop and beautify the Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara Lake and to save it from encroachment and pollution under a mega project of Tk 327.15 crore.

The city planner in September submitted a revised project proposal to the housing and public works ministry and the ministry sent it to the Planning Commission for the approval of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council.

‘We had submitted the revised project proposal to the housing and public works ministry in September and the project is awaiting ECNEC approval at the Planning Commission,’ said a Rajuk official.

Of the total project costs, Tk 297.42 crore was earmarked for land acquisition, Tk 13.27 crore for earth filling, Tk 3.79 crore for the construction of walkways, Tk 29.54 lakh for setting up benches and amenities, Tk 11.88 lakh for protection of the banks of the lake and Tk 7.52 lakh for planting grasses.

Rajuk initiated a project involving about Tk 120 crore in 2000 following the development of Dhanmondi Lake with an integrated approach to save the Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara Lake from being encroached and polluted.

The project cost was later reduced to Tk 72 crore and the revised proposal was submitted to the Planning Commission in early 2003.

As per the suggestions of the Planning Commission the same year, the city development authority again revised the project cost at Tk 105 crore by including six bridges.

He said if the Tk 327.15 crore project was implemented, it would beautify the city conserve wetlands, open spaces and natural environment, improve social and civic amenities, and amusement facilities and reduce traffic jam in the area.

The project does not include the construction of the six bridges and Rajuk has taken an initiative to construct the bridges under another project, the official said.

Rajuk has already selected a firm as consultant to prepare the detailed designs of the six bridges over the Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara Lake.

Five of the bridges will connect Gulshan-2 with Baridhara Link Road, Manarat School with Badda Link Road, Gulshan 1 with Badda Link Road, Gulshan Shooting Club with Badda Link Road and Mohakhali with Gulshan 1 Link Road.

DDC Limited will prepare the designs of the six bridges by six months and it will supervise the construction work, he said, adding that about Tk 78 lakh would be spent for the job.

http://www.newagebd.com/met.html

[tanzirian]

[B]GULSHAN-BANANI-BARIDHARA LAKE DEVELOPMENT

Was this the development advertised in a billboard in one of Mirza's photos a while back (if you guys remember the one I am talking about)?

At any rate if this is project is as successful as Dhanmondi Lake improvements in the 1990s then that should be great. It is needed in the sense that the Gulshan / Mohakhali / Banani area is now becoming the new city center so this area should present best face of Dhaka to the world.

[sas]

Nope... pure science here. Why? NIMBY? I think most SSC people know it.

Lol... are you serious? I take your word... high time I did an IQ check of my own...

[tanzirian]

Lol... are you serious? I take your word... high time I did an IQ check of my own...

I think I had come across the term before...but didn't know what it meant...so I looked it up after Majhi Bhai's post.

[meghnarmajhi]

Here we go........

Some people want nice things, but not in their "backyard".

..............I think there should be a school in this area - but not exactly on my street - because driving and parking will be difficult in certain hours.

.............I want a stadium close by - but not too close to my house - the place will be crowded when there is a gam.

Not In My BackYard (NIMBY).

Every city have them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIMBY

[mirzazeehan]

I like the idea of the golf course in suhrawardy udyan


Suhrawardy Udyan
Dhaka Club says it won't destroy environment
Staff Correspondent


The Dhaka Club would engage staff in maintaining the golf course on the Suhrawardy Udyan as the government has delegated them the responsibility to that end, club authorities yesterday said.

The club said they are pro-environment and would not destroy the environment of the park, adding that their objective is to make golfing popular among people at large.

lim Bhuiyan, president of the Dhaka Club"The club is not owner of the course. We are just maintaining it. Anybody who wants to play golf can come at the course and play there," said Se, at a press conference at the club's Hamidur Rahman Sinha Lounge, which was arranged following newspaper reports on the allocation of 25 acres of the parkland for golfing.

The club would not make any profit from the golf course, he said.

The Dhaka Club said the golf course has been at the Suhrawardy Udyan since 1926 and that they have been going golfing there for decades.

This time the government formally nominated the club to maintain the course, they said.

Group Captain Mujahidul Islam, secretary of the club, read out the written statement which claimed that the golf course would increase the beauty of the park.

"Now the park has become a den of drug addicts and anti-social people. The golf course would rather stop those activities," said the statement, adding that the course would not put any obstacles to the pedestrians.

In reply to a question, the club president said 10 whole courts on the 25 acres of land would be specially protected so that nobody can ruin them.

Club members Khandakar Mahbuzzaman, Akkas Khan, Shafakat Choudhury and RK Chowdhury, among others, were present at the press conference.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=11326

[tanzirian]

^^ Certainly provides an interesting counter-argument. Concerns would be these: although non-profit, it probably won't be free, and regardless whether its free or not, it would limit the park area for strolling or relaxation...both badly needed in Dhaka. Why not build it elsewhere...possibly create a new green space? My idea...if a public golf course is desired...then why not convert the Hatirjheel area into one? Govt has said it would not permit new building construction in this area. A golf course might be an attractive way to preserve the water body and have use of the land at the same time. Not to mention it would beautify the current view of shanties that guests have from Sonargaon...and may give this ailing Dhaka institution a little shot in the arm.

[mirzazeehan]

^^ Certainly provides an interesting counter-argument. Concerns would be these: although non-profit, it probably won't be free, and regardless whether its free or not, it would limit the park area for strolling or relaxation...both badly needed in Dhaka. Why not build it elsewhere...possibly create a new green space? My idea...if a public golf course is desired...then why not convert the Hatirjheel area into one? Govt has said it would not permit new building construction in this area. A golf course might be an attractive way to preserve the water body and have use of the land at the same time. Not to mention it would beautify the current view of shanties that guests have from Sonargaon...and may give this ailing Dhaka institution a little shot in the arm.


Thats an amazing idea....Hatirjheel would be the ideal location for such a golf course.However,having visited the Suhrawardy uddyan a few months ago,I would not identify it as a good place to relax,and would not mind replacing it with this new golf course.The reasons being:(1)bad maintainance(2)magnet for anti social activities.It might not also be a bad idea to renovate the whole park and maintain it,and make the golf course somewhere else..but as thats very unlikely to happen...I favor the Dhaka Club decision.

[Tmac]

I think the location plays a key role. Suhrawardy Udyan is right next to Dhaka Club. I have never been to Suhrawardy Udyan but I heard it's not a safe place to go. Joggers get mugged often there. A golf course may not be a bad idea. I would rather preserve the park since it is a historic site. Where is the Swadhinata Stambha being built? I thought it was being built at Suhrawardy Udyan?

[tanzirian]

I think the location plays a key role. Suhrawardy Udyan is right next to Dhaka Club. I have never been to Suhrawardy Udyan but I heard it's not a safe place to go. Joggers get mugged often there. A golf course may not be a bad idea. I would rather preserve the park since it is a historic site. Where is the Swadhinata Stambha being built? I thought it was being built at Suhrawardy Udyan?

The whole middle of the park is now lake / grounds of Shadhinata Stambha. You can see it in the pic posted by yourself on the last page. As you say of course location plays a role. But since supposedly it is govt not DC wanting to build the course location should not be limited by proximity to DC. Unless of course it is DC which wants to build and is pulling strings. And solution to park not being safe is to beef up security...not to turn it into restricted compound.

[s786khan]

What is the highest storey building in the whole of Bangladesh?

Have we entered the 30+ storeys yet?

[mirzazeehan]

What is the highest storey building in the whole of Bangladesh?

Have we entered the 30+ storeys yet?


The tallest building in Bangladesh is the 31 storey Bangladesh Bank building,located in Motijheel.37 storey City Center building is also under construction in Motijheel,and will probably be completed in a years time.Its a shame how Dhaka has over 750 "ten to twenty five storey buildings" but only one thats more than 30 storey.

[Tmac]

'Design contract' of BCFEC approved

The government has approved the 'design contract' of Bangladesh-China Friend-ship Exhibition Centre (BCFEC), which will be established on 39.45 acres of land at a cost of 210 million Yuan.

Shahab Ullah, vice chairman of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), and the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of China to Bangladesh, signed the design contract on behalf of their respective side on November 8, EPB sources said.

Earlier, the Economic Relations Department (ERD) of Bangladesh and the authority concerned of the Chinese government signed an agreement for the fund worth 210 million Yuan that will be required to establish BCFEC at the northwestern side of the Tejgaon old airport.

An 11-member delegation of Beijing Institute of Architectural Design had visited Bangladesh to finalise the design after conducting survey of the site.

During the visit, the delegation called on officials of the ministries and departments concerned of the government for drafting the design of the BFCE.

Sources said if established this will be the first world-class permanent exhibition centre in the country.

They said it will help Bangladesh increase exports as the prospective buyers can see all products of the country by visiting the exhibition centre round the year.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=17204

[Tmac]

'Design contract' of BCFEC approved

I am really looking forward to this one. It should be a magnificant facility.

[weltmeister]

what is dhaka's tallest building? it's population and gdp?

[tanzirian]

what is dhaka's tallest building? it's population and gdp?

Building - 31 st Bangladesh Bank. There is no readily available public source for heights of buildings in BD but I have seen a figure of 115 m.

Population - somewhere around 15 mil.

GDP - Dhaka is a city not country, so not sure about answer to your question.

[zayiaf62089]

Actually City Mayor's Statistics and the World bank gave an exact figure of Dhaka's GDP at $52 Billion in USD. Hopefully if it continues its strong growth and maintains the 6.1% growth rate then the GDP in 2020 will be $126 billion according to the same source. So how does Dhaka stack up? $48-50 billion is about average, some cities such as Munich, Germany and Warsaw, Poland have the same GDP.

[tanzirian]

Actually City Mayor's Statistics and the World bank gave an exact figure of Dhaka's GDP at $52 Billion in USD. Hopefully if it continues its strong growth and maintains the 6.1% growth rate then the GDP in 2020 will be $126 billion according to the same source. So how does Dhaka stack up? $48-50 billion is about average, some cities such as Munich, Germany and Warsaw, Poland have the same GDP.

Those figures are almost certainly inaccurate or use Purchase Power Parity, which would not be an appropriate use in this case. Total GDP of Bangladesh is about $ 60 billion, so $ 52 billion from Dhaka is highly unlikely, even given Dhaka's importance.

[mirzazeehan]

Its not among the six main commercial areas of Dhaka,but it does promise to be the seventh one.Construction boom in Bijoynagar and Baitul Muk. Area is ensuring that highrises emerge on both sides of the road to connect the Naya Paltan skyline to the Motijheel skyline.

Red dots indicate U/C/Proposed buildings(12-26 storey tall)


Bijoy Nagar/Baitul Muk. Area


http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/Bijoyfinal.jpg

[Tmac]

nice work Mirza. Pleae keep us updated time to time with all of these projects.

[mirzazeehan]

nice work Mirza. Pleae keep us updated time to time with all of these projects.

Thanks Tmac,I certainly will keep you guys informed.Its great to see such a huge demand for commercial space in Dhaka that creates more projects than you can keep track of.

[zayiaf62089]

Those figures are almost certainly inaccurate or use Purchase Power Parity, which would not be an appropriate use in this case. Total GDP of Bangladesh is about $ 60 billion, so $ 52 billion from Dhaka is highly unlikely, even given Dhaka's importance.

I posted those figures relative to bangladesh. I you want PPP then I would say Dhaka is about $12-13 billion. And Chittagong be about <$2 billion.

[zayiaf62089]

Its not among the six main commercial areas of Dhaka,but it does promise to be the seventh one.Construction boom in Bijoynagar and Baitul Muk. Area is ensuring that highrises emerge on both sides of the road to connect the Naya Paltan skyline to the Motijheel skyline.

Red dots indicate U/C/Proposed buildings(12-26 storey tall)


Bijoy Nagar/Baitul Muk. Area


http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/Bijoyfinal.jpg

Great news. I mentioned erlier about connecting the existing skylines of dhaka being a dream, now its a definite possibility. Kudos to Dhaka!

[tanzirian]

[B]Its not among the six main commercial areas of Dhaka,but it does promise to be the seventh one.Construction boom in Bijoynagar and Baitul Muk. Area is ensuring that highrises emerge on both sides of the road to connect the Naya Paltan skyline to the Motijheel skyline.

Thanks Mirza...I always like these montages of yours. Personally I don't think of Motijheel and Baitul Mukarram as different skylines...since there is no physical separation between the two.

[Tmac]

looks like Surma Tower is coming up nicely.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/motijheelviews15.jpg

also this building near Gulshan intersection.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/gulshanviews44.jpg

[tanzirian]

^^ Is that United Heights in that last picture?

Does anyone know what status of City Centre is? Is work still progressing or has it stalled?

[mirzazeehan]

^^ Is that United Heights in that last picture?

Does anyone know what status of City Centre is? Is work still progressing or has it stalled?

No,thats the 28 storey Delta Life Insurance building Underconstruction.United heights will be built right next to it.No idea about the status of City Center.

[tanzirian]

No,thats the 28 storey Delta Life Insurance building Underconstruction.United heights will be built right next to it.No idea about the status of City Center.

Don't recall having heard about Delta before...has a rendering been posted here previously?

[mirzazeehan]

Great news. I mentioned erlier about connecting the existing skylines of dhaka being a dream, now its a definite possibility. Kudos to Dhaka!

and these are not the only skylines getting connected,there are many more.This existing Naya Paltan skyline is getting connected to the Shantinagar skyline..which is ofcourse is linked to the Moghbazar wireless area where another new skyline is emerging.Once that skyline emerges,it will connect the Shantinagar SL to the Eskaton SL.So in the end,all these will get connected.I will post some google earth shots showing this in the future.Till then,enjoy this "Great(er)" news that you just received from me.:cheers:

[mirzazeehan]

Don't recall having heard about Delta before...has a rendering been posted here previously?

It was first mentioned by "iamthedevil" a long time ago.No rendering of it has so far been posted.The building has been under construction for sometime now,and its work is progressing well.Btw,can anyone point out to me where road 35 in Gulshan 2 is...theres a couple of highrises to be built there...one by Unique Group,and the other by Doreen real esate.

[Tmac]

can anyone point out to me where road 35 in Gulshan 2 is...theres a couple of highrises to be built there...one by Unique Group,and the other by Doreen real esate.

where you did hear about the highrises? Source?

I have no idea where Gulshan 35 is.

[mirzazeehan]

where you did hear about the highrises? Source?

I have no idea where Gulshan 35 is.

There was a daily star news report about high rises and parking facilities in Gulshan,it mentioned that the Doreen people would soon start work on another tower at gulshan road 35.

I read about the other one in a brochure of Borak Real estate that is a concern of Unique Group.

[Tmac]

what is this under construction building?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/dhakaviews60.jpg

[tanzirian]

There was a daily star news report about high rises and parking facilities in Gulshan,it mentioned that the Doreen people would soon start work on another tower at gulshan road 35.

The under-construction Doreen Tower has been stalled for some time now...those guys should finish what they started before initiating new constructions.

[Tmac]

Doreen Tower

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/doreentower.jpg

http://doreentower.com/

[khalek]

how many stories is this doreen tower?

[tanzirian]

Thanks, Tmac!...Now we know what this Doreen is supposed to look like, if it ever gets completed that is :) Seems to have a lot of similarity to nearby Westin.

Khalek, I have heard anywhere from 25 - 27. I count 26 in the render.

[mirzazeehan]

Thank you so much for this Tmac,I have been waiting to see this rendering for a long time.I had no idea that even this would be a 5 star hotel.

[sas]

Thank you so much for this Tmac,I have been waiting to see this rendering for a long time.I had no idea that even this would be a 5 star hotel.

What a five-star hotel? This is crazy... to think that none of us had the slightest idea... it's a shame though that they're not finish up on the building... construction has been stalled almost forever now.

[sas]

No,thats the 28 storey Delta Life Insurance building Underconstruction.United heights will be built right next to it.No idea about the status of City Center.

I was in Motijheel earlier this week and I counted upto 24 stories - I believe construction is slowly progressing. Plus Standard Chartered has moved it's main branch (not to be confused with its corporate office which recently moved to Gulshan) and HSBC has re-located its Motijheel branch to the ground and first floors respectively of the CityCentre building. Plus there is also a Grameenphone Center there as well. I'm therefore very optimistic about the proper completion of this building.

[mirzazeehan]

What a five-star hotel? This is crazy... to think that none of us had the slightest idea... it's a shame though that they're not finish up on the building... construction has been stalled almost forever now.

Cant blame them for stalling construction work,especially after all the news about government plans to bring down top floors of highrises.But now that those absurd plans are gone and forgotten,I am certain that they would soon resume the work on this tower.Many U/C buildings that have been stalled for a long time have already started advertising the projects again on rehab fair and is planning to resume work.I just hope this 5 star hotel is managed by some well known company.....maybe its time for Hyatt or Shangrila?

[mirzazeehan]

what is this under construction building?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/dhakaviews60.jpg

This is the 20 storey Fareast Tower.Heres what its gonna look like:

Fareast Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/FareastTower20storey.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

Doreen Tower

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/doreentower.jpg

http://doreentower.com/

Seems like they have brought some changes to the upper portion of the building,changes that I think will make the actual building look much nicer than it looks in the rendering.

Notice how the upper portion has curved inwards from the front and left sides..something that is absent in the rendering

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/gulshan2center.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/gulshantwodhk.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/westindhaka23.jpg

[sas]

Cant blame them for stalling construction work,especially after all the news about government plans to bring down top floors of highrises.But now that those absurd plans are gone and forgotten,I am certain that they would soon resume the work on this tower.Many U/C buildings that have been stalled for a long time have already started advertising the projects again on rehab fair and is planning to resume work.I just hope this 5 star hotel is managed by some well known company.....maybe its time for Hyatt or Shangrila?

(Even though we can hope) I doubt it'll be a foreign chain... that would have without a doubt gotten a lot of publicity beforehand...

[zayiaf62089]

So doreen tower is going to be a 5-star hotel, does this mean that Gulshan is going to to have two 5-star hotels right next to each other? thats severe competition.

[tanzirian]

^^ Doreen probably wants a 5 star hotel to be there, but that doesn't mean they have a client yet. Also, "5 star" in BD is somwhat a loose term...not all "5 stars" are equal :) Personally I think the hotel is their goal but not a done deal...we would have heard about it otherwise.

As far as the differences in the top between the render and what has been built, I think of two possiblities - 1) the render was an early design which has been modified, or 2) there will be some machinery on top, which the slant may be shaped to accomodate...in which case the finished product may still look like the render. I think # 2 or something along those lines is more likely...look at the render...the front of floors 23 - 25 appear blind...which may conceal equipment behind.

[tanzirian]

Thought I would update this list. Some changes I have made - I have added Delta Life Insurance, and removed City Bank, which is pretty dead. Also have reduced floors of Doreen from 27 to 26 since that is what I count. I put a "?" by floors of Delta until we see some official stat. Lastly changed Westin from a "c" to "b" :) Feel free to amend this list if any of you have any credible additions / revisions.

Dhaka Buildings 25 Storeys and Above

Storey / Status / Name / Location
( b = built; c = construction; p = proposed)

37 / c / City Centre / Motijheel
31 / b / Bangladesh Bank / Motijheel
30 / p / BSC Building / Motijheel (Dilkusha)
30 / p / Sagufta Park Tower / Panthapath
28 (?) / c / Delta Life Insurance / Gulshan (Circle-2)
27 / c (?) / United Heights / Gulshan (Circle-2)
26 / c / Doreen Tower / Gulshan (Circle-2)
26 / c / ICL Trade Centre / Motijheel (Baitul Mukarram)
25 / b / Dhaka Westin / Gulshan (Circle-2)
25 / p / Lily Pond Tower / (?)
25 / p / Press Club Complex / Motijheel (?)

[mirzazeehan]

^^ Doreen probably wants a 5 star hotel to be there, but that doesn't mean they have a client yet. Also, "5 star" in BD is somwhat a loose term...not all "5 stars" are equal :) Personally I think the hotel is their goal but not a done deal...we would have heard about it otherwise.

As far as the differences in the top between the render and what has been built, I think of two possiblities - 1) the render was an early design which has been modified, or 2) there will be some machinery on top, which the slant may be shaped to accomodate...in which case the finished product may still look like the render. I think # 2 or something along those lines is more likely...look at the render...the front of floors 23 - 25 appear blind...which may conceal equipment behind.

Yeah,that is also possible.But it would be great to have a presidental suite and a restuarant in the top floors instead.

[sas]

Yeah,that is also possible.But it would be great to have a presidental suite and a restuarant in the top floors instead.

Lol... you guys are speculating way too much! To think that we were simply staring at this building for the past few months, not even knowing that this was going to be a hotel until two days back! Now my turn to add a little twist to our little conjecture game... maybe the Hilton should re-locate there, considering it's not happening in Maghbazaar. They're bound to make more money in Gulshan too! Not a bad idea guys...

[tanzirian]

Lol... you guys are speculating way too much! To think that we were simply staring at this building for the past few months, not even knowing that this was going to be a hotel until two days back! Now my turn to add a little twist to our little conjecture game... maybe the Hilton should re-locate there, considering it's not happening in Maghbazaar. They're bound to make more money in Gulshan too! Not a bad idea guys...

Well speculating can be fun...and such architectural gossip is partly why we have forums like this one :)

As for Hilton...so far all the foreign chains have constructed their own buildings, so I don't know that they would want to buy from Doreen...a preexisting building might not meet their specifications. But certainly, they would do better in Gulshan...Kawran doesn't need another luxury hotel just right now...and Doreen has a great location.

[Tmac]

BK Tower
54 Purana Paltan Road
20 storied commercial building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/bktower.jpg

NLI (National Life Insurance) Tower
Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Kawran Bazar
20 storied commercial building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/nlitower.jpg

Independent University of Bangladesh
Campus at Bashundhara, Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/iub7.jpg

http://www.mirakhter.net/ongoing_building_projects.html

[sas]

Nice pictures as usual T-Mac. Interestingly enough, the North South University campus is going to be right next to the IUB building in Bashundhara. Moreover, the Jamuna Future Park and Grameenphone headquarters are all going to be within a block of these two campuses. Bashundhara is going to get very busy in the coming years.

[sas]

Well speculating can be fun...and such architectural gossip is partly why we have forums like this one :)

As for Hilton...so far all the foreign chains have constructed their own buildings, so I don't know that they would want to buy from Doreen...a preexisting building might not meet their specifications. But certainly, they would do better in Gulshan...Kawran doesn't need another luxury hotel just right now...and Doreen has a great location.

Exactly, which is why I mentioned earlier that there wasn't going to be a foreign hotel in that location - it would have been publicized by now and we would have all known. But Doreen is without a doubt in the primest of locations - right on Gulshan Circle 2. Would be great to have a top-class hotel there. Just hope the project finishes.

[tanzirian]

I forget if there have been any renderings posted of North-South campus?

[Tmac]

I wonder if this is the same project shown in the rendering.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/dhakaviews64.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/bktower.jpg

[tanzirian]

I wonder if this is the same project shown in the rendering.

The staircase of the bridge looks a little different. In the rendering, the stairs are in two sections with the lower section facing away. In the photo, the stairs are all in one direction facing towards the photographer.

[Tmac]

I wonder what the building in that picture is. Mirza?