Dhaka Projects - Part 2 [Archive]

Tmac

April 16th, 2008, 06:32 AM

Kamalapur station to wear new look
Murals, paintings, fountains and greeneries to increase beauty

http://www.thedailystar.net/photos/2008-04-16__city02.jpg
A facelift right on the face of Kamalapur in progress

Kamalapur, the largest railway station in Bangladesh, is set to have a new appearance and improved commuter service soon, sources said.

A Tk 44.68 crore projects for development and beautification are underway to revamp the 40-year-old station building and the main compound.

Formally launched in May 1968, the station is the centre point of railway link with rest of the country. For its grand architecture the station attracts many tourists.

Railway sources said the terminal building will be embellished with murals, paintings and fountains. Greeneries will be added to the front with landscaping.

Under the project, electronic display board will be installed for announcing timetable and routes of the trains. Signs and directions will be put up at all the points.

Wheelchairs will be added to ease the sufferings of the physically-challenged passengers. There will be trolleys for more comfortable luggage carrying. The waiting lounge, newspaper stand and the restaurant will be extended.

ATM booth, fire-fighting equipment will be added. Security will also be beefed up with closed circuit camera and metal detectors.

Md Shafiqul Alam Khan, director (public relations), Bangladesh Railway, said, "The idea is to improve the commuter service and modernise the terminal building. Most interesting thing is that Bangladesh Railway will not spend any money for this job."

Alam, who is in charge of the beautification project, said, "Private advertising firms will execute the job on their own expenses and in exchange they will be allowed to rent space for advertisements. However, we will not allow too much advertising."

The murals and paintings will have motifs that will reflect the cultural heritage and traditions of Bangladesh, he added.

Initially 22 companies showed interest in the beautification project. Dia Consortium was selected from 7 short-listed firms that participated in the tender. An agreement to this effect was signed on January 17 this year.

Alam said around Tk 15 crore will be spent by private firms for beautification only. The rest amount is earmarked for terminal extension and renovation.

Around 20,000 passengers travel through the station every day. Twenty intercity, express and mail trains connect the capital city with rest of the country every day. Besides, four daily cargo trains transport merchandise to and from river and land ports.

Meanwhile, the incomplete extension project of the terminal building that started in December 2003 and scheduled to finish by June 2005 finally saw some headway.

Executive Engineer of the extension project Md Arifuzzaman said construction of passenger sheds on platform 1, 4 and 5 has already been finished. Passengers suffered a lot during summer and monsoon as these platforms did not have any shed earlier.

Incomplete sheds on platforms 6 and 7 have also been extended.

The station has a total of 10 platforms.

Currently under construction is a shed connecting the terminal building with the parking lot. “Passengers arriving at the station by rickshaw or CNG used to suffer as they had to get off on the street and drag their luggage from there,” said Arifuzzaman.

“The connecting shed will solve the problem. Vehicles will now drop off passengers right under the shed, which connects directly with the main terminal,” he added.

The beautifully designed concourses of the terminal, the main attraction of the building, have also been renovated.

Railway officials hope to wrap up the project by June this year.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=32251

tanzirian

April 17th, 2008, 06:05 AM

I love Kamalapur's architecture but it needs some updated facilities. Current restrooms are not modern or particularly clean, and there are no air conditioned lounges (or at least, none that I recall). If rail is to be seriously considered for business or tourism (and especially with talk of high speed rail between Dhaka and CTG), then these are needed basics. Good to hear about the above improvements; more needs to be done.

Tmac

April 17th, 2008, 08:29 AM

Pink City Project

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/pinkcity20.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/pinkcity21.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/pinkcity22.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/pinkcity23.jpg

Tmac

April 17th, 2008, 08:30 AM

Lakecity Concord

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/lakecityconcord20.jpg

mirzazeehan

April 17th, 2008, 11:27 AM

Fantastic shots of Pink city Tmac! Could you tell me when they were taken?If these are recent photos,then we are possibly looking at an extension of the project.

tanzirian

April 17th, 2008, 05:34 PM

The Pink City houses seem to have favored a front yard over a back one...my personal preference would have been the opposite.

TIslam

April 17th, 2008, 07:48 PM

The Pink City houses seem to have favored a front yard over a back one...my personal preference would have been the opposite.

Must be the east versus west thing. I noticed even in Manila, a 200 year colony of the US, single family homes had decent front lawn with hardly any backyard. Whereas most homes in the US, have larger backyards than front.

Samrat

April 17th, 2008, 09:39 PM

It is not komol. As per pronounciation in Bengali komol is soft. For lotus it is kamol. Every letter in Bengali consonant does not pronounce with o-ending. Sometimes it is soft 'a' . Such as if we say "kotha" it is not "word" but it means "where" but it is katha(words). similarly "kona" in Bengali means "corner" and kana means "molecule or particle"(k with soft a) :nuts:

^^..... confusing.... komol phool is bengali for lotus.

Samrat

April 17th, 2008, 09:58 PM

amar11372

April 17th, 2008, 10:12 PM

In the above render No.30, it shows what a wastage of land in a land starving country like Bangladesh. constructing singly storey houses in cities or even in villages are totally wastage of land, money and labour. Authorities in Mumbai are building multisotrey building in place of "Dharavi" the largest slum in the world having almost 10 lakh slum dwelers. Before giving approval to any such projects, authorities should think twice.

Well... its the Developers RIGHT to build anything he/she chooses to build in the land he/she owns in a capitalistic economy. And there are huge demand for these types of villas from non-residential-Bangladeshis who are used to living in a certain luxury and space. One must accommodate every social group; both rich and poor.

tanzirian

April 18th, 2008, 12:59 AM

Must be the east versus west thing. I noticed even in Manila, a 200 year colony of the US, single family homes had decent front lawn with hardly any backyard. Whereas most homes in the US, have larger backyards than front.

I wouldn't say that. Here in the Southeast anyway, go to many planned neighborhoods, and you can find many nice homes set several hundred feet back from the neighborhood road, but with perhaps 50 feet of backyard ending in trees. This is a very common pattern here and one that I am not a fan of. I'd rather have my personal space out back rather than great distance from the road in front.

tanzirian

April 18th, 2008, 01:07 AM

In the above render No.30, it shows what a wastage of land in a land starving country like Bangladesh.

Bangladesh may be densely populated, but that doesn't mean there's no option but for people to live on top of one another. In fact traditional rural structures are typically single storey and that's how people live in most of Bangladesh. AND that still leaves plenty of land for agriculture. Of course there are a lot of homeless, landless people but their problem is lack of money...building highrises outside the city would have no benefit for them, unless you donated an apartment to them perhaps (they would still need the money to maintain it).

As Amar says, the free market system will take care of how land is allolcated, without any need for government interference. For example, m ost houses in Dhaka used to be one or two storey not so long ago. But now, with sufficient demand, people are tearing down their old homes and building multistorey structures...it being economically unfavorable not to do so. Government did not have to mandate anything...in fact govt is limiting the height of buildings in Dhaka because the power grid in BD cannot yet support so many highrises.

TIslam

April 18th, 2008, 03:13 AM

I wouldn't say that. Here in the Southeast anyway, go to many planned neighborhoods, and you can find many nice homes set several hundred feet back from the neighborhood road, but with perhaps 50 feet of backyard ending in trees. This is a very common pattern here and one that I am not a fan of. I'd rather have my personal space out back rather than great distance from the road in front.

In the mid-west, and I have seen such pattern in Maryland/Virginia area as well, most single family homes plenty of front and backyard. In Michigan, local governments are now encouraging developers to build more cluster homes on smaller lots.

Regardless of the cookie cutter approach (read: monotonous), I like the Pink City development.

TIslam

April 18th, 2008, 03:27 AM

amar11372

April 18th, 2008, 03:34 AM

Does anybody know anything about that chopper? It says some airlines but cannot read the rest.

You should ask Asif in the Aviation thread.

Samrat

April 18th, 2008, 09:22 PM

:nuts: Fine. I do support to your opinion to some extent that one has to accommodate everyone's choice or demand but not at the cost of common people's/national interest. Going by your logic, a multi-milionaire can have as much children as he/she wants simply because he/she can afford. Do you support him/her on that count? If we don't think about how to manage our limited source of land, it is not very far that there will be less farm land available than residential one. (lastly, do you find enough space in those houses?) :bash:

QUOTE=amar11372;19763836]Well... its the Developers RIGHT to build anything he/she chooses to build in the land he/she owns in a capitalistic economy. And there are huge demand for these types of villas from non-residential-Bangladeshis who are used to living in a certain luxury and space. One must accommodate every social group; both rich and poor.[/QUOTE]

manbil777

April 19th, 2008, 10:35 AM

You should ask Asif in the Aviation thread.

I believe thats S2-AEG belonging to South Asian Airlines. The Heli is a Robinson R44 made in LA :)
This is the cheapest 4 seater heli available (about US$300,000)

BTW -- I think we can and should have free-thinking capitalism and also offer middle/lower income people a place to live. In most European cities you do have single family homes in outlying areas as well as high-rise apartments closer to the main city. And Pink City housing can hardly be called 'Villas'. Closer to Dhaka, go to Dubai and Bangkok to see what Villas are. Pink City is middle income housing (improved) but I really like the US style allowance for parking on the sidewalk and driveways etc. Somebody has finally hit the right suburban formula and I hope this gets to be popular.

And I think most of us are missing the point on the cookie cutter sub-divisional housing other than the fact that it looks ugly. the point of Cookie cutter housing is low cost -- you utilize economies of scale by making 100 standard items instead of customized door/windows etc. You can make pre-fab wall-panels and standardize the construction components by pre-fabbing them as well (i.e. RCC rod assemblies, window grilles etc.). Customized components is getting to be high cost even in Bangladesh.

TIslam

April 19th, 2008, 04:36 PM

:nuts: Fine. I do support to your opinion to some extent that one has to accommodate everyone's choice or demand but not at the cost of common people's/national interest. Going by your logic, a multi-milionaire can have as much children as he/she wants simply because he/she can afford. Do you support him/her on that count? If we don't think about how to manage our limited source of land, it is not very far that there will be less farm land available than residential one. (lastly, do you find enough space in those houses?) :bash:

I am sure even in densely populated Mumbai, there isn't any law prohibiting people from building single family homes. People should be allowed their choice and the law of demand and supply shall take of the rest. In places where land is scarce, as the affordability of single dwellings become out of the reach of the masses, they'll become a rarity.

Tmac

April 19th, 2008, 06:05 PM

SPL Trade Center

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/spltradecenter7.jpg

mirzazeehan

April 19th, 2008, 07:41 PM

Heres a satellite image of Gulshan Banani Mohakhali areas that will give you guys a good idea of the construction activity going on there.It took me about 4 hours to complete and covers all the important projects in this part of the city.So many glass facade luxury offices and towers popping up everywhere,its just amazing!About 47 commercial projects have been pointed out here ,all of which are either underconstruction or proposed.

Red dots indicate Proposed/Under-construction Commercial Towers and complexes that are expected to be completed in 2-3 years

Gulshan/Banani/Mohakhali Projects

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg225/mirzazeehan18/Virtualfutureofdhaka-gulshanbanania.jpg

Tmac

April 19th, 2008, 10:39 PM

thanks for the update Mirza. This is awesome!

amar11372

April 19th, 2008, 11:54 PM

meghnarmajhi

April 20th, 2008, 07:25 AM

thank you, mirza

mirzazeehan

April 20th, 2008, 08:49 PM

You are welcome guys.Anyways,more good news...work will begin on a new tower called "Padma Life Tower" right next to the under-construction S.A. Zaman Tower and opposite to the U/C Rahman Tower at Banglamotor intersection.

Tmac

April 20th, 2008, 11:53 PM

Hatirjheel-begunbari Integrated Development Project
Work goes on in full swing keeping issues unresolved

http://www.thedailystar.net/photos/2008-04-21__sc01.jpg
Work goes on in full swing as the Hatirjheel-Begunbari integrated development project takes off more than two weeks ago.

Implementation of the Hatirjheel-Begunbari integrated development project is going on in full swing despite some obstacles, project officials said.

The army engineering corps, implementing agency of the project, has started the work of sludge removal from the canal bed and sand-filling for peripheral road construction.

But problems are there because of the 15-storey BGMEA building in the middle of Begunbari canal, site for Hilton Hotel and extension of Sonargaon Hotel in the project area. Besides, there are some problems with land acquisition and handover.

Project officials said the work of sludge removal started more than two weeks ago. Around 2,000 workers have been engaged. Work on the peripheral road is also going on.

Prof Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), who leads an expert team to carry out a feasibility study for detailed designing of the project, said they have completed the layout plan of the project.

“We'll accelerate the implementation work before monsoon,” said Prof Rahman. “We'll remove sludge from the lakebed as much as possible before the monsoon sets in.”

“Alignment of the peripheral road in between Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue and Tongi Diversion Road, behind BIAM building, is completed,” he said. “We will be able to complete 50 to 60 percent work of the peripheral road by next two months.”

He said laying of diversion sewer pipelines would start once the embankment and soil settlement of the peripheral road is done.

According to the project officials and experts concerned, BGMEA building is the biggest obstacle to the project implementation. While the authorities have demolished part of the unauthorised extension of Hotel Sonargaon, the issue is yet to be settled.

The government has to make an alternative arrangement to relocate the proposed site of Export Promotion Bureau from the project area, they said.

Experts say all the unauthorised structures in Begunbari canal and Hatirjheel area will have to be removed and allotment of plots in the area must be cancelled to achieve the goals of the integrated project.

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

According to the project officials, sand-filling for embankment of the peripheral road has so far been done on around 900-metre stretch including southern fringe of Begunbari canal and both northern and southern fringes of the Hatirjheel.

There will be a two-way service road stretching between Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue and Tongi Diversion Road while there will only be a walkway on the lake's northern fringe (demolishing unauthorised extension of Hotel Sonargaon).

Footpath, two-way service road, one-way high-speed road and lakeside walkway will be constructed on both banks of Hatirjheel starting from Tongi Diversion Road towards Rampura, explained an official.

The approximate total length of the peripheral roads along the banks of Begunbari canal and Hatirjheel is 11 kilometres.

There will be a walkway from Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue to Tongi Diversion Road along Panthapath on the northern fringe of Begunbari canal.

A total of four 6-foot diameter sewer pipelines will be installed to carry domestic and industrial sewage to a treatment plant to be set up in the eastern fringe of the city.

Prof Rahman said they have tried to affect the least number of structures in the way of implementing the project in 295 acres area. Of the total, 175 acres of land belong to the government.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved the project on October 8 last year.

The project aims at enhancing water retention capacity and adequate flow of storm water in the entire stretch of the wetland, easing waterlogging and traffic congestion problems with a peripheral road and restoring environment in the canal area.

The total project cost is Tk 1,473.68 crore including Tk 1218.68 crore for Rajuk component (land acquisition and lake development), Tk 175 crore for LGED component (peripheral road), Tk 77.97 crore for Dhaka Wasa component (sewer system) and Tk 1.92 crore for Buet study fees.

Eleven kilometres of roads and footpaths, 14 kilometres of walkway, a 320-metre bridge and a 250-metre overpass will be built.

Engineering corps of Bangladesh Army is playing the key role in implementation of the project. The army will carry out implementation of all three components of the project, said an official. The project is expected to be completed by 2010.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=33000

amar11372

April 21st, 2008, 01:06 AM

^^ I will be really sad if they demolish the BGMEA building. On the other hand why would they build this on the middle of the canal in the first place?

TIslam

April 21st, 2008, 01:50 AM

^^ I will be really sad if they demolish the BGMEA building. On the other hand why would they build this on the middle of the canal in the first place?

If it has to be, for geater good, I'm all for it. Not that I enjoy demolition derby!

Tmac

April 21st, 2008, 01:59 AM

If it has to be, for geater good, I'm all for it. Not that I enjoy demolition derby!

but I always liked the BGMEA Building......

mirzazeehan

April 21st, 2008, 09:26 AM

I wouldn't like them to demolish the BGMEA bhaban....enough demolition skills shown by this efficient government already.And as for the hatirjheel area,I think the previous governments had plans of making it another business district.They had okayed plans for one 20 storey and another 18 storey Hilton hotel,25 storey FBCCI bhaban,22 storey EPB building,15 storey Sonargoan hotel building,20 storey BTMA bhaban,and a 20 storey World Trade Center building all in that area.I hope all these projects and shifted to another area instead of being cancelled.

amar11372

April 21st, 2008, 10:45 PM

sas

April 22nd, 2008, 06:03 AM

Can anyone give an update on the status of the Hilton please?

amar11372

April 23rd, 2008, 12:39 AM

http://www.ahlbd.com/apl/images/banner3.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/amar11372/Pic-20080422-183816.jpg

amar11372

April 23rd, 2008, 12:40 AM

Can anyone give an update on the status of the Hilton please?

I believe its on hold.

Tmac

April 27th, 2008, 07:42 AM

Hatirjheel Project

photo credit: Ershad Ahmed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/hatirjheelproject10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/hatirjheelproject11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/hatirjheelproject12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/hatirjheelproject13.jpg

Tmac

April 30th, 2008, 08:23 AM

Doreen Tower

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/doreentower26.jpg

Tmac

April 30th, 2008, 08:25 AM

Delta Life Insurance Building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/deltalifei*******ing5.jpg

amar11372

April 30th, 2008, 08:33 AM

^^How tall will the Delta Life Insurance Building be?

mirzazeehan

April 30th, 2008, 12:41 PM

Thanks for the pics Tmac

mirzazeehan

April 30th, 2008, 12:46 PM

^^How tall will the Delta Life Insurance Building be?

Delta Life Insurance building was supposed to be 20+ storey...but it is possible that they keep their height to 15 storey for now due to the CAAB rules which this govt. is so eager to enforce.But after this govt is gone,I think they would increase the number of floors to match the original plan.Note:CAAB ban of over 15 storey in Gulshan is not being followed by Jabbar tower(22 storey),Nafi tower(20 storey)..which are proceeding with their work even after this govt. started implementing those OUT OF DATE height restrictions.

sas

May 1st, 2008, 04:01 PM

What? That's just ridiculous! What about the rest of the buildings that are well over 25 floors? What about Westin? Doreen Tower? And all the others on Gulshan 1 including Navana Tower? All commercial offices are moving northwards towards Gulshan - this kind of law does not make the slightest sense to me.

amar11372

May 3rd, 2008, 09:18 PM

DCC takes up high-rise project ignoring legal obligations
Tawfique Ali

http://thedailystar.net/photos/2008-05-04__city2.jpg
Construction of a high-rise goes on at Banani Super Market, top, and site for another building at Gulshan 1 Photo: STAR

Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has embarked on a massive commercial move with construction of three commercial/residential high-rise buildings in Gulshan and Banani without building approval and land use clearance from the authorities concerned.

The project includes 14-storey Banani Super Market and Housing Complex at the site of Banani Super Market and the car parking space in its front, and 16-storey City Trade Centre at the site of Gulshan-1 market and the car parking space in its front.

Besides, Gulshan Centre Point --a 26-storey super market and housing complex -- will be built on a 3-bigha plot in Gulshan-2, according to DCC officials concerned.

Though required to obtain building approval and land use clearance from Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) as per the Building Act of 1952, Town Improvement Act of 1953, Building Rules of 2007 and Bangladesh National Building Code, the DCC has undertaken the project ignoring the legal obligations.

As per these laws, any builders and developers have to comply with certain planning and technical prerequisites before starting the construction work.

DCC has signed contracts with four private commercial builders to develop the three high-rises on shared basis with the deal of transferring proportionate land ownership.

Under the contracts, the builders will get more than 70 percent ownership of the total saleable floor areas.

Architect Mubasshar Hussain, president of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), said that in the way of developing the plots with high-rises, the DCC is virtually turning the public properties into private.

“DCC's move to construct these high-rise buildings is not understandable when its performance in providing the basic civic amenities to the city dwellers is poor,” he said.

Mubasshar said there are designated government agencies to take initiatives for residential apartments for the people.

“It is a must to obtain the land use clearance for such massive construction work in the city's planned neighbourhoods as per Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP) and town planning, from Rajuk,” he said.

Architect Khadem Ali, vice-president of the Centre for Urban Studies, said DCC should have consulted with Rajuk at least for land use pattern.

“An open space cannot be turned into a built-up area in such an arbitrary manner. DCC wants to benefit commercially out of this project at the cost of public interest,” he said.

Rajuk handed over the lands in Banani and Gulshan to DCC in 1984-85 only for maintenance as car parking, community centre and open spaces, said sources at Rajuk.

Two strips of land, 44A and 44B, of the plot-44 (Banani Market), are earmarked as car parking spaces in the revised layout plan of Banani Model Town approved in 1993. Plot-64 by the Kemal Ataturk Avenue is earmarked for car parking and a community centre.

The existing market at Gulshan-1 and the vast car parking space in its front are earmarked in the layout of Gulshan Model Town.

But the DCC project is to turn the entire open spaces into covered areas.

Borak Real Estate will build the 14-storey Banani project and Amin Associate Overseas Ltd will implement the Gulshan-1 project.

Bashundhara City Development Ltd and United City Twin Tower Development Ltd will jointly build the 26-storey Gulshan-2 project, according to contract documents.

The 20-storey City Trade Centre will be built on a 7-bigha plot demolishing the present two-storey DCC Super Market in Gulshan-1 and existing car parking lot in front of it. There will be a 3-layer underground car park at the site.

Amin Associate Overseas will get 73 percent ownership of the total saleable area.

The 14-storey Banani Super Market and Housing Complex will have a total floor area of 3,60,085 square feet of which saleable area will be 2,53,265 square feet. The builder Borak Real Estate will get 70 percent ownership of the saleable area.

The high-rise will occupy the existing 16-katha open space used as a car park.

The builder will turn the surrounding footpaths into a car parking lot in addition to a one-layer underground parking, said a DCC official.

The 26-storey building in Gulsjhan-2 will have a total of 8,66,691 square feet of floor areas out of which 5,07,333 square feet will be saleable area. The two builders will get 75 percent ownership of the saleable area.

The DCC move to alter type and character of land use is tantamount to violation of the Town Improvement Act 1953, said a Rajuk official.

DCC Chief Engineer Colonel Md Ashfakul Islam said they are not required to obtain building approval and land use clearance from Rajuk as per city corporation ordinance.

“Rajuk is not the coordinator of everything,” he said. “It has no authority over DCC.”

He said DCC at a meeting on April 7 decided to obtain height-related clearance from the civil aviation authorities for the proposed 20-storey building in Gulshan-1.

Khairul Baker, executive engineer (market) of DCC, said DCC has undertaken the project in the light of the SRO of LGRD ministry that allows it to undertake such project.

Regarding approval, he said that it is a normal practice of DCC not to seek permission from Rajuk. “It will create various complications if we apply to Rajuk for approval.”

He noted that the DCC has already formed a committee to get delegation of power from the government to approve its own buildings. DCC would construct the buildings in compliance with the building rules and codes, he said.

Prof Muzaffer Ahmad, a noted environmentalist, said that nowhere in the law DCC is exempted from the obligation of obtaining building approval and land use clearance.

“DCC must comply with the suggestions and decisions being incorporated in the upcoming Detailed Area Plan of Dhaka city,” he said. “Also, it must hold neighbourhood consultation to ascertain impact of the project.”

DCC Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka previously said that the practice of not obtaining approval from Rajuk has been for long and that Rajuk has never stopped them.

Contacted, Rajuk Chairman KAM Haroon said they will check the legal status of DCC's high-rise construction project and then take steps.

http://thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=34851

amar11372

May 3rd, 2008, 09:21 PM

^^Hope there aren't many more future obstacles because the 26-storey Gulshan Centre Point sounds awesome.

tanzirian

May 4th, 2008, 01:47 AM

Such restrictions in a land-starved country like ours (and in the main commercial area of the capital) are ludicrous. We're not exactly talking about supertalls here.

tareq79

May 4th, 2008, 07:57 AM

Those who are opposing these projects are suffering from myopia. Back in 80s, there were not so many cars as today and these lots in Gulshan/Banani were not so prime as today. If sb visits (for example) surrounding the Banani DCC market (which is next to the Great wall of Banani incorporating around 20 of 20+ storied buildings housing 5+ universities and lots of other offices) on a weekday, he will see more than 80% area of the roads are blocked by parked cars creating some ugliest traffic jams as there are no parking areas around. I wonder where do the "legal obligations" and environmentalism work to stop it. Now when DCC comes up with a better plan for better utilization of these prime lots, we hear legal obligations and environmentalism shouting out. Seconding Tan, absolutely ludicrous for land-starved country.

n.b.: yes, I'm back. :)

amar11372

May 4th, 2008, 08:04 AM

TIslam

May 4th, 2008, 06:31 PM

Such restrictions in a land-starved country like ours (and in the main commercial area of the capital) are ludicrous. We're not exactly talking about supertalls here.

I thought the restrictions were imposed owing to infrastructural deficiencies (inadequate water, power supply etc.)?

To my mind these restrictions could be eased through introduction of "green" building policies like they have begun to promote in many countries. For example, issue building permits exceeding certain heights/stories provided they make provision of rain water collection, storage and reuse, solar collectors that charges banks of batteries that provides perimeter/emergency lighting, operation of elevators, making use of energy efficient building materials, windows, and so on.

But then, that would be asking and expecting too much from organizations such as DCC or RAJUK, wouldn't it?

zayiaf62089

May 5th, 2008, 01:56 AM

I was wondering, does Dhaka even have like zoning laws or any kind of zoning maps?

tareq79

May 6th, 2008, 07:31 AM

We missed your company welcome back tareq :cheers:

Thanks, Amar.

clearsky

May 6th, 2008, 07:44 AM

All commercial offices are moving northwards towards Gulshan - this kind of law does not make the slightest sense to me.

If they could make laws that make sense, we wouldn't be a third world country. I think the number of floors will increase in the near future, say from current 26 to 36 and higher, simply because there are no other options to meet the demand, unless those law making geniuses can invent new lands. :bash:

sas

May 6th, 2008, 08:14 AM

If they could make laws that make sense, we wouldn't be a third world country. I think the number of floors will increase in the near future, say from current 26 to 36 and higher, simply because there are no other options to meet the demand, unless those law making geniuses can invent new lands. :bash:

Well said.

iamthedevil60

May 6th, 2008, 08:23 AM

dopekhor

May 6th, 2008, 09:30 AM

apparently the soil condition in Bangladesh is such (mainly owing to the fact that the country is by nature a delta) that buildings of more than a certain height cannot be built because they cannot be supported.

wonder if anyone else in this forum can support this...
aint no engineer to stand by you on that,

mirzazeehan

May 6th, 2008, 04:39 PM

Good to have you back after such a long time iamthedevil...whats the latest on the United heights building?

TIslam

May 6th, 2008, 06:31 PM

iamthedevil60

May 7th, 2008, 05:34 AM

good point, although it must me added that very few beaches in the world are formed on delta-ic land...one of the reasons why we have the longest unbroken natural beach in the world. but yea as i said i just heard about that point from somewhere although I cannot for the life of me recall where from...

mirza...the united heights has stalled construction for the time being...just so that the dcc and rajuk can sort their issues out. you might have read from the papers that these government departments are having a legal scuffle at the moment. so we'll have to wait and see how it develops.

tanzirian

May 7th, 2008, 05:37 AM

I had heard something to this effect...informally though, so I don't know the veracity. Our soil probably isn't the most ideal for very tall buildings...but they could probably be supported if the foundations went sufficiently deep. It would be nice if an engineer joined the forum some day, since we have questions like this that come up from time to time.

manbil777

May 7th, 2008, 06:17 AM

The base-rock in Bangladesh lies about 60-80 meters below the surface -- which is at sea level.

Jamuna bridge story (http://wbln0018.worldbank.org/LO%20Web%20Sites/bangladesh%20Web.nsf/98a64a665c710adc852569c100578d18/f31007dc23a2292246256766001ab1c8?OpenDocument)

Above base rock it is mostly micro- fine clay (poli-mati).

Essentially the clay has little sideways lateral-torque strength compared to much older clay substrates in like , say, Kolkata or North Bengal.

This means you have to go down a lot deeper (which becomes more expensive) to have a good foundation for anything above say, a thirty story building.

I'm no Civil Engineer or Geo-technical guy. But the above is probably true as I've heard my civil engineer friends discuss it.

mirzazeehan

May 8th, 2008, 12:00 AM

20 Storey Nafi Tower at Gulshan-1 progressing fast

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03853.jpg

27 Storey Doreen Tower and "to be 18 Storey" Taher Tower at Gulshan-2

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03851.jpg

Work on the 18 Storey Army complex(going on in full swing.Once complete,it will be probably be another 1.2 million sq feet mall.What will make the sight more beautiful is the lake that the complex will be facing,and the Radisson Water Garden right opposite to it.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/armycomplex.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03866.jpg

Commercial building being built using a new technique at Gulshan-1

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03844.jpg

Progress is satisfactory for the Bulu Center at Gulshan-2,it is already 4 floors up

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03857.jpg

mirzazeehan

May 8th, 2008, 12:16 AM

tanzirian

May 8th, 2008, 12:53 AM

mirzazeehan

May 8th, 2008, 01:38 AM

Great to see the glass coming along on Nafi.

If what Manbil says is true, I guess we'll have to wait to become a more developed country before seeing buildings significantly taller than what we have now. Eventually though I think it will become economically feasible to dig the 60 - 80 feet to bedrock...because land scarcity will make it worthwhile to build the taller structures. This might not be the case if we had less population density.

What about the almost 40 storied City Center?Was it built after digging 60 meters?If it was,then I guess it was already thought to be feasible.If they hadn't and the reason for the crack on one of its walls wasn't for this bedrock factor,then I think Bangladeshi developers will continue building such 40-50 storey.

TIslam

May 8th, 2008, 01:50 AM

Great to see the glass coming along on Nafi.

If what Manbil says is true, I guess we'll have to wait to become a more developed country before seeing buildings significantly taller than what we have now. Eventually though I think it will become economically feasible to dig the 60 - 80 feet to bedrock...because land scarcity will make it worthwhile to build the taller structures. This might not be the case if we had less population density.

Yes, there no way out other than digging deep and/or adopting/adapting "high tech" construction technology and erect taller buildings, as a significant portion of land needs to be deemed off limits for urban development and totally dedicated to agriculture.

If they can build a 45 storey high rise in Rotterdam, which is located below sea level, I'm sure the technology exists to build taller buildings (that are safe) in Bangladesh.

amar11372

May 8th, 2008, 04:34 AM

Great to see the glass coming along on Nafi.

If what Manbil says is true, I guess we'll have to wait to become a more developed country before seeing buildings significantly taller than what we have now. Eventually though I think it will become economically feasible to dig the 60 - 80 feet to bedrock...because land scarcity will make it worthwhile to build the taller structures. This might not be the case if we had less population density.

^^ Right, the technology exists for building those structures. We should be following The Netherlands. And as for laying foundation 60 to 80 meters, couldn't the developers just turn portion of it into underground parking lot to recover some of the money?

amar11372

May 8th, 2008, 04:36 AM

Commercial building being built using a new technique at Gulshan-1

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03844.jpg

Thanks for the update Mirza :). Does anyone know what type of building technique is this?

TIslam

May 8th, 2008, 05:17 AM

^^
Looks like modern (perhaps not the right word) method of commercial construction is catching on in Bangladesh. This is how a typical multi-storied commercial building is constructed. A steel cage/girder is set up first followed by pressing of pre-fabricated walls, etc. I'm however, not so sure about how good such construction method is, after all, having witnessed the near instant implosion of the NYC World Trade Center buildings. I watched a documentary somewhere, where they questioned this traditional approach to highrise construction in the US.

tanzirian

May 9th, 2008, 02:27 AM

What about the almost 40 storied City Center?Was it built after digging 60 meters?If it was,then I guess it was already thought to be feasible.If they hadn't and the reason for the crack on one of its walls wasn't for this bedrock factor,then I think Bangladeshi developers will continue building such 40-50 storey.

I was just saying, "if" what Manbil said was true. At any rate there isn't that much difference between 31 storeys and 37.

My feeling is that they could build a 50 storey building on this soil...it may be just be a matter of the degree of stability they are willing to accept. Perhaps the soil could be a negative consideration but not an absolute deterrant.

Saigoneseguy

May 9th, 2008, 03:52 AM

In a Discovery show I've watched recently about the SWFC in Shanghai, it said the soil is weak in that case so they'd increase the amount and length of steel piles to make sure the foundation is well settled so like tanzirian has put it, weak soil is not a great deterrant and is technically viable to solve.

clearsky

May 9th, 2008, 04:10 AM

Work on the 18 Storey Army complex(going on in full swing.
Once complete,it will be probably be another 1.2 million sq feet mall.What will make the sight more beautiful is the lake that the complex will be facing,and the Radisson Water Garden right opposite to it.

Very good news. I like the design. Another good news is that regardless of the political situation this project is almost sure to finish.:)

manbil777

May 9th, 2008, 04:16 AM

Commercial building being built using a new technique at Gulshan-1

Well this really isn't that new (Empire State Building in New York was built with this technique in 1940's). But for Bangladesh this is brand new. In actuality -- the structural strength is far greater using steel I-beams. To this day all North American cities use the same technique to build high-rises like this.

The floors are usually cast-in-situ (poured concrete in place) just like RCC construction -- however advanced techniques like pre-stressed high strength rod fabric is used (much stronger than grade 40 mild steel rod and even stronger than TOR steel as well). The cement is also less thicker with I-beam support underneath -- unlike the RCC flooring we use nowadays.

For side skins pre-fab concrete panels have been traditionally used however these days glass or painted steel skins are more common (in Bangladesh they're getting popular as well).

I-beam structures are reportedly way lighter than RCC structures.

amar11372

May 9th, 2008, 05:44 AM

Well this really isn't that new (Empire State Building in New York was built with this technique in 1940's). But for Bangladesh this is brand new. In actuality -- the structural strength is far greater using steel I-beams. To this day all North American cities use the same technique to build high-rises like this.

The floors are usually cast-in-situ (poured concrete in place) just like RCC construction -- however advanced techniques like pre-stressed high strength rod fabric is used (much stronger than grade 40 mild steel rod and even stronger than TOR steel as well). The cement is also less thicker with I-beam support underneath -- unlike the RCC flooring we use nowadays.

For side skins pre-fab concrete panels have been traditionally used however these days glass or painted steel skins are more common (in Bangladesh they're getting popular as well).

I-beam structures are reportedly way lighter than RCC structures.

Is there any financial benefit to build using I-beam technique instead of RCC? other pros and cons?

manbil777

May 10th, 2008, 09:57 AM

Here's a basic primer on western practices for mid to high-rise construction techniques including the use of steel I-beams. My apologies for the long post.

I believe the strength to weight ratio for steel I-beam is higher per linear load-bearing foot compared to RCC cast beams -- which means that longer spans with lesser weight is now a possibility. Hundred foot spans for lightweight loads is pretty common.

Another plus point is speed of construction -- attach a couple of bolts, do some gusset welding and you're good to go if design is tested and finalized. No waiting for making rod forms (skeleton for RCC beams) or waiting for cement to cure.

Most people would consider that a huge plus because in some cases it halves the time to finish a structure.

steel joist (I-beam) advantages (http://www.steeljoist.org/pages/default.asp?NavID=118)

However -- cost of steel I-beam is higher obviously -- because it is imported at least for the time being -- mostly from China (unless local manufacturing is a possibility). So is cost of assembly (use of cranes necessary for lifting I-beams). As I-beam construction gets popularized then the welding expertise will cost less, cranes will become more common and become cheaper to rent etc. Here's an I-beam supplier from China (probably the cheapest source IMHO).

Steel_I_Beam types (http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/51870769/Steel_I_Beam.html)

But I think transition from RCC to I-beam type construction is inevitable -- even for low-rise commercial and multi-family residential structures. Most of SE Asia and other parts of the world has long since transitioned.

The only locales using RCC columns and beams in low-rise commercial and multi-unit residential construction is low labor-cost areas such as South Asia and Africa. Even China is mostly using I-beams now. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh to my knowledge are still using mostly RCC beams and columns. In India the newer high rises ( above twenty or so stories) are mostly Steel Beam types.

I want to clear the idea though that floors will still be made from RCC -- only a lot thinner -- supported by steel corrugated sheeting and then I-beams underneath depending on the following.

There are two options here --

1. pre-cast or
2. in-situ-casting (concrete poured into forms and cast in-place)

Pre-cast was being offered at one point by Concord I think. This will not be standardized like in the west -- yet. And since it is custom made-- the cost will be high. However I believe steel corrugated sheeting (zinc-coated) is not needed for precast floors. Some standards,

British Precastfloors Association (http://www.precastfloors.info/news/articles.html)

I believe the labor costs in South Asian construction will still go up enough that concrete pumps will be necessary for quickly pouring in-situ concrete floors. The days of people hauling up concrete on their heads up the ramps like ants is pretty much over.

Chinese Concrete Pump supplier SANY (http://www.sanyusa.net/products/SY5250THB-37.htm)

Picture of long reach concrete pump (http://www.concretepumping.com/emedia/2007/may/pages/StephenWild8.htm)

Here's a picture of the typical zinc-coated steel corrugated sheeting that goes in between poured concrete and steel I-beams (for cast concrete floors).

Floor_Supporting_Sheet (http://hf-steel.en.alibaba.com/product/50403086/51862016/steel_board/Floor_Supporting_Sheet.html)

As far as walls go, one can reduce the weight of the walls by half by using rolled-sheetmetal stud-framing covered using drywall compared to the traditional brick wall. I don't know if drywall gypsum sheet is now widely used in Bangladesh (I last visited in the mid-nineties and these were just starting to get popular). Here's showing what I'm talking about.

hk supplier of drywall studs showing typical framing (http://www.kirii.com.hk/drywall/studco.htm)

TIslam

May 10th, 2008, 09:14 PM

Here's a basic primer on western practices for mid to high-rise construction techniques including the use of steel I-beams. My apologies for the long post.

My my, either you're an engineer (sorry haven't read your intro) or you've done a good amount of research on this. Very informative, thanks!
:okay:

amar11372

May 11th, 2008, 02:35 AM

^^ Thanks manbil for your informative post. It going to take some time to go through it LOL.

amar11372

May 11th, 2008, 02:42 AM

DU Math Building Plan Almost Unchanged
Site to be shifted a little eastward
Tawfique Ali

http://thedailystar.net/photo/2008/05/11/2008-05-11__city03.jpg
File photo shows proposed site for DU math building. Photo: STAR

The Dhaka University (DU) authorities are set to construct the much talked about 10-storey mathematics building slightly changing its site, although the plan sparked public criticism that the structure would overshadow the Central Shaheed Minar.

Architects and academics expressed grave concern over the move to build the high-rise building in the close vicinity of the language martyrs' memorial, saying that it would mar the sanctity of the historically sensitive memorial.

In the face of criticism, AF Mujibur Rahman Foundation, the sponsor of the building, requested the DU authorities to find an alternative site and even thought of withdrawing the fund, but the authorities said they have no other alternative site.

Now the authorities intend to move the site 50 yards eastward to the place close to a coffee shop near Mokarram Hossain Bhaban on the Science Annex premises.

DU approved the building plan in January 2006. But delay in final site selection caused loss of time and increased expenditure for construction amid a steady rise in the prices of construction materials, said sources close to the sponsor.

The DU authorities felled a good number of big trees in mid June 2007 on the green patch behind Mokarram Hossain Bhaban to construct the building. As the site has been changed, the authorities will have to fell more trees at the new location.

Prof AFM Yusuf Haidar, DU pro vice-chancellor, said they have formally made the proposal for relocation of the site to the sponsoring foundation to avoid its conflicting position with the Central Shaheed Minar. And the sponsor has agreed to it.

“We'll take the final decision after return of the vice-chancellor from abroad,” he said.

Responding to a question on tree felling again and again, he said it would not affect the greenery of the campus as they are planting trees regularly.

DU is yet to decide whether or not to obtain building approval from Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), as required by law.

The DU authorities have never sought approval for construction of buildings, though required by the Building Construction (BC) Act of 1952 and Building Construction Rules of 2007 to obtain approval for any kind of building construction and modification.

Prof Haidar said, “It is our normal practice not to seek building approval from Rajuk.”

Amendments to the BC Act of 1952 in 1987 made it mandatory for any organisations to obtain building approval from an authorised officer of Rajuk. Only the armed forces are exempted from the rules for strategic reasons.

The Town Improvement Act of 1953 also empowers Rajuk to approve and oversee any building plan within the area under its jurisdiction, and control land use pattern in accordance with the master plan of the capital.

Rajuk several months back issued a public notice that anyone has to obtain land use clearance and approval of building design within its jurisdiction (590 square kilometres).

The Building Construction Act of 1952 (amended in 2006) says whoever violates section 3 of the act or building rules or provisions of Bangladesh Building Code (BNBC) shall be punishable with imprisonment up to seven years, or fine not less than Tk 50,000, or both.

Sources said that the sponsor of the DU mathematics building has set a precondition that the DU authorities have to obtain building approval from Rajuk.

Mubasshar Hussain, president of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), said moving 50 yards from the previous site is not a suitable option to build the high-rise.

Prof Nazrul Islam, an urban development expert and chairman of the University Grants Commission, suggested earlier that the site of DU's medical centre might be a suitable alternative for the proposed building.

The authorities of Dhaka University, nearly a 100-year old institution, have so far failed to make a master plan for its campus, experts said.

According to them, successive authorities of Dhaka University have virtually destroyed the pleasant landscape, lush greenery and open spaces on the campus with erratically built and architecturally incongruous buildings over the past decades.

Destroying the distinct characteristics of the DU campus, buildings have been constructed one after another spending public money without showing the slightest sensitivity to the aesthetic and architectural aspects, they observed.

ASM Ismail, chief architect of the Department of Architecture, who attends DU committee meeting on building construction, said the DU authorities must take immediate steps to draw a master plan of the entire campus to avoid haphazard development work and destruction of aesthetic beauty of the campus.

http://thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=35867

brightside.

May 11th, 2008, 10:17 AM

The days of people hauling up concrete on their heads up the ramps like ants is pretty much over.

:hilarious

Good info in your post :applause:

manbil777

May 11th, 2008, 10:35 PM

My my, either you're an engineer (sorry haven't read your intro) or you've done a good amount of research on this. Very informative, thanks!

Thanks for the kind words Towheed Bhai, Amar and Brightside. I'm not a civil engineer.

I just like to observe things in detail that's all. :)

mirzazeehan

May 12th, 2008, 02:48 PM

Gulshan/Banani Area

Here is another google earth image of Gulshan/Banani area that points out Commercial buildings(8-28 storey tall) that are currently under-construction or proposed here.
Banani road 11 has been added this time and now the total number of Commercial projects here stand at about 60.All these projects are expected to be completed within 2-3 years time.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/Virtualfutureofdhaka-gulshanbanania.jpg

clearsky

May 13th, 2008, 05:30 PM

Gulshan/Banani Area

Banani road 11 has been added this time and now the total number of Commercial projects here stand at about 60.All these projects are expected to be completed within 2-3 years time.

Thanks and good job for compiling the list, Mirza. :)

amar11372

May 13th, 2008, 11:08 PM

Thanks again for the update Mirza.

mirzazeehan

May 14th, 2008, 12:31 AM

You are welcome Clearsky and Amar,look what you inspired me to do again:lol:

Another hotel building of Sarina?Maybe

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03909.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03910.jpg

Doreen Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03913.jpg

The Royal tower is finally complete,and not looking too bad

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03900.jpg

Building at Gulshan 2 getting ready for renovation I suppose

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03914.jpg

Unknown project at Panthopath

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03903.jpg

Gagan Shirish pops up at Panthopath,while the Ahmad tower beside it is still underconstruction

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03902.jpg

Polwell Carnation at Uttara getting ready to welcome the glass

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03893.jpg

New Sheltech Tower under construction at Panthopath

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03904-1.jpg

A new addition to Gulshan Avenue

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Dhaka%20Rising/DSC03916.jpg

mirzazeehan

May 14th, 2008, 01:08 AM

Thanks for the kind words Towheed Bhai, Amar and Brightside. I'm not a civil engineer.

I just like to observe things in detail that's all. :)

Even I thought you would turn out to be a civil engineer,lol

manbil777

May 14th, 2008, 04:19 AM

Even I thought you would turn out to be a civil engineer,lol

Well I actually built a couple of small apt. buildings for my family and friends about ten years ago -- that's all :)

TIslam

May 14th, 2008, 04:54 AM

Well I actually built a couple of small apt. buildings for my family and friends about ten years ago -- that's all :)

Wow, not too many among us can make that claim (I think). I say, not too shabby, manbil! :okay:

tanzirian

May 14th, 2008, 05:03 AM

Great photo report, Mirza. I don't know how you keep track of it all.

Tmac

May 14th, 2008, 06:51 AM

thanks for the update Mirza. Great stuff!

mirzazeehan

May 14th, 2008, 01:19 PM

Well I actually built a couple of small apt. buildings for my family and friends about ten years ago -- that's all :)

Building two apt buildings is no joke,be they small or big.Great achievement:cheers:

tareq79

May 15th, 2008, 06:06 AM

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/2008_05_15_1_5_b.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/2008_05_15_15_8_b.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/2008_05_15_15_9_b.jpg

amar11372

May 15th, 2008, 07:13 AM

Thats just awesome, thanks tareq. Hope they are going with high-rises. :cheers:

amar11372

May 15th, 2008, 07:34 AM

Belvedere Concord

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1210829556-clip-81kb.jpg

Surma Concord

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1210829613-clip-71kb.jpg

amar11372

May 15th, 2008, 07:37 AM

amar11372

May 15th, 2008, 07:47 AM

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1210830275-clip-146kb.jpg

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1210830373-clip-189kb.jpg

tareq79

May 15th, 2008, 08:52 AM

Thats just awesome, thanks tareq. Hope they are going with high-rises. :cheers:

Dont even think about hight rises there...:ohno:
Firstly, that area is very close to ZIA. The fact is, once this project is done, ZIA will find itself right in the middle of a bustling city, with a growing C/A in Nikunja/Uttara in one side and this huge R/A (looks bigger than existing Uttara) on the other side. Take a look at this Google Earth captured snapshot....the big wetland you spot west of ZIA is the area we are talking about (compare the rendered map in the news item with the low land). Whatever, this is something inevitable for ZIA.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/uttara3.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/2008_05_15_15_8_b.jpg

And secondly, this is supposed to turn out as a modern residential area (prolly like Baridhara), my expectation is to see some good infrastructure there rather than high rises. I dont think civil aviation authority will permit more than 4 stories. Let's see...

amar11372

May 15th, 2008, 09:04 AM

And secondly, this is supposed to turn out as a modern residential area (prolly like Baridhara), my expectation is to see some good infrastructure there rather than high rises. I dont think civil aviation authority will permit more than 4 stories. Let's see...

Ohh man that would really suck.

mirzazeehan

May 15th, 2008, 03:32 PM

World Trade Center

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1210829677-clip-104kb.jpg

Mirza can you please verify if this one is in Dhaka and not the one in Chittagong. Thanks. This is going to look great where ever they decide to build it.

This is the one being built in Chittagong Amar.The one planned for Dhaka was supposed to be built in Hatirjheel area,so not sure about the fate of that project.

dopekhor

May 15th, 2008, 09:41 PM

Dont even think about hight rises there...:ohno:
Firstly, that area is very close to ZIA. The fact is, once this project is done, ZIA will find itself right in the middle of a bustling city, with a growing C/A in Nikunja/Uttara in one side and this huge R/A (looks bigger than existing Uttara) on the other side. Take a look at this Google Earth captured snapshot....the big wetland you spot west of ZIA is the area we are talking about (compare the rendered map in the news item with the low land). Whatever, this is something inevitable for ZIA.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/uttara3.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/2008_05_15_15_8_b.jpg

And secondly, this is supposed to turn out as a modern residential area (prolly like Baridhara), my expectation is to see some good infrastructure there rather than high rises. I dont think civil aviation authority will permit more than 4 stories. Let's see...
could you point out the exact location?

tanzirian

May 16th, 2008, 03:09 AM

With Uttara expansion into wetland, I hope they have good reservoir / drainage plans since these are places where water collects during monsoon...otherwise flooding in the city will worsen.

With regard to ZIA, I think eventually it will find itself eventually in similar situation to Hong Kong's old airport...which is good for us architecture fans, as it will mean a nice new facility some time in the future...perhaps around Gazipur or Savar.

sas

May 16th, 2008, 09:17 AM

TIslam

May 16th, 2008, 12:49 PM

With Uttara expansion into wetland, I hope they have good reservoir / drainage plans since these are places where water collects during monsoon...otherwise flooding in the city will worsen.

I worry about that. The infinite wisdom that Rajuk has shown thus far, does not give me the confidence to assume that they have thought those issues through. :ohno:

TIslam

May 16th, 2008, 12:57 PM

I completely agree - ZIA needs to move out to beyond Ashulia. It's too close to the City center at the moment, which is acting as a detriment towards the growth of high-rises.

No problem with building a new airport significantly further from Dhaka. To make it viable however, there has to be high speed surface transportation corridor/link to the city, which is equally expensive to build. The new Mumbai airport is apparently stalled because of this issue. KLIA was struggling soon after its inaguration since neither the freeway nor the high speed railway link was complete.

tanzirian

May 16th, 2008, 04:30 PM

No problem with building a new airport significantly further from Dhaka. To make it viable however, there has to be high speed surface transportation corridor/link to the city, which is equally expensive to build. The new Mumbai airport is apparently stalled because of this issue. KLIA was struggling soon after its inaguration since neither the freeway nor the high speed railway link was complete.

You are right, but I'm not thinking about having a new airport for at least a couple of decades. By that time I'm hoping we will have a metro or be close to having one. I can't see Dhaka functioning without one as time goes and population increases and a greater percentage of people are able to afford cars.

mirzazeehan

May 17th, 2008, 12:20 AM

Surma Tower at Baitul Muk. Area progressing fast

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

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03930.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03929.jpg

Bengal Tower,Baitul Muk. Area

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

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03931.jpg

Yeawar Tower,Baitul Muk. Area

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

New board up for Al-Amin Millenium Tower at Kakrail

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03938.jpg

BTI Central Plaza,Shantinagar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03918.jpg

New tower emerges as Bijoynagar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03922.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03937.jpg

Work progresses at Al-Razi Complex at Bijoynagar

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

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03927.jpg

Akram Tower at Bijoy Nagar rising slowly

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03926.jpg

Rangs Tower at Baitul Muk. Area preparing for the glass facade

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03928.jpg

Unknown tower and Saiham Skyview Tower at Bijoynagar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03924.jpg

Notice the skybridge being built at the top of this tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03932.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03936.jpg

work resumes on the 20 storey S.A. Tower at Shantinagar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03919.jpg

amar11372

May 17th, 2008, 12:43 AM

^^ Cool shots Mirza and thanks for the update. Do you know how tall Rangs tower will be?

mirzazeehan

May 17th, 2008, 12:48 AM

^^ Cool shots Mirza and thanks for the update. Do you know how tall Rangs tower will be?

Thanks Amar.Rangs tower was originally planned to be 20 stories,but now they might have changed plans or are implementing phase 1 first.

Tmac

May 17th, 2008, 05:59 AM

speechless Mirza speechless!!!

manbil777

May 17th, 2008, 07:56 AM

Hear Hear !

Marhaba :applause:

Tmac

May 17th, 2008, 06:22 PM

Mirza do you know what this building is?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakaviews238.jpg

mirzazeehan

May 17th, 2008, 08:13 PM

Thanks guys

Tmac,I think this building is located in Tejgoan,but not sure about what it is.

mirzazeehan

May 17th, 2008, 09:53 PM

You are right, but I'm not thinking about having a new airport for at least a couple of decades. By that time I'm hoping we will have a metro or be close to having one. I can't see Dhaka functioning without one as time goes and population increases and a greater percentage of people are able to afford cars.

Yep..I dont think we should expect a new airport in Dhaka before 2018

clearsky

May 18th, 2008, 06:42 PM

mirzazeehan

May 18th, 2008, 08:58 PM

Yeawar Tower,Baitul Muk. Area looks a little "too futuristic" in my view. I am not sure what to make of this building.

The bill board "bti center plaza" and the "actual" building is quite different.

Good collection of photos.

Cant even make out how the 19 storey Yeawar will look once its completed,but I do like all these "crazy futuristic" towers,remind me of dubai:)

tanzirian

May 18th, 2008, 11:21 PM

^^ I like it...because it adds variety. It's good that not all our towers are the standard boxes...it adds visual interest.

Tmac

May 18th, 2008, 11:42 PM

this building is somewhere around Mirpur-Shaymoli area.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakaviews221.jpg

clearsky

May 19th, 2008, 12:02 AM

this building is somewhere around Mirpur-Shaymoli area.

How do you know? I don't see any indication of that from the pic. :)

amar11372

May 25th, 2008, 09:10 PM

Top Gulf realtor buys textile plant to turn it a posh housing complex

A Z M Anas

The Middle East's leading realtor Rakeen has bought the country's one of the oldest textile mills located near the capital as it plans to develop a posh township on the premises of the troubled factory.

Rakeen, owned by one of the seven emirates of UAE, has purchased Siddiq Textiles and Weaving Limited for Tk600 million last week, a senior official of the company said Sunday.

The company, whose projects spanned from the Eastern European nation of Georgia to India, would dismantle the factory and turn its 40 acres of land at Kanchpur into a luxurious housing company, he added.

It is the first direct investment by a foreign realtor in Bangladesh. Last year a top Singaporean company tied up with a local realtor for investment in the housing projects in the capital. But the tie-up collapsed without any investment.

A Bangladeshi director of Rakeen, SAK Ekramuzzaman, confirmed the purchase, but declined to give further details.

"We see Bangladesh as a fast growing economy and a hugely potential destination of our investment," Ekramuzzaman told the FE in a recent interview.

A senior official of the company said the purchase of the textile factory is part of a major expansion drive in Bangladesh. "All I can say is that it is the first of many real estate projects in the company's pipeline," he said.

The textile company's owner ABM Siddiq, who died in a tragic launch mishap in 2002, was one of the pioneers of the country's booming textile industry.

The Narayanganj-based textile mill suspended operation after his death, as the successors failed to operate the plant profitably, leading to accumulation of Tk 1.17 billion debt to Pubali Bank till early this year.

Sources said the owners finally decided to sell off the plant after it defaulted on its massive debt.

The Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)-based Rakeen Development Company is one of the largest in the Gulf having an authorised capital of US$817 million. It has stakes in property development, tourism, township building, commercial and industrial sectors.

It is also part of a group of companies owned by the ruling family of the RAK Emirate.

The family's holding company RAKIA last month unveiled a plan to invest US$1.00 billion in industrial park, five star hotel, golf club, shopping mall and a theme park in Bangladesh.

Dr Khatter Massaad, who heads the RAKIA and is also the executive chairman of Rakeen, formally announced the investment plan during a visit to Bangladesh in mid-April.

Rakeen's sister company RAK ceramics is the largest floor and sanitary tiles manufacturers in Bangladesh, controlling more than 70 per cent of the booming market.

It is also building one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Gazipur.

Rakeen has developed a number of ambitious projects in RAK, ranging from man-made islands to offshore financial districts and from spa resorts to new urban developments.

It has also invested $6.8 billion in five countries including Iran and Georgia in 2007, in just one year of operation. Last year the UAE company unveiled a five-year plan to invest $5 billion in developing an integrated township in India.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.info/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=34742

dopekhor

May 25th, 2008, 10:26 PM

thats very good news, isnt Kanchpur in out skirts of dhaka i.e near naryanganj which is like in the opposite direction of the expansion of the city?

mirzazeehan

May 25th, 2008, 11:47 PM

24 Storey Monem Financial district,the cranes are moving fast

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03951.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03984.jpg

New building emerging at Kawranbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03956.jpg

Work resumes at 18 Storey Northern University building,and "?" Storey Ali Bhaban at Kawranbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03958.jpg

New commercial complex being built at Panthopath

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03988.jpg

Work of Residential Tower at Eskaton progressing well

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03977.jpg

Commercial complex at Shymoli,right at the end of Sangsad Bhaban road

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC03963.jpg

mirzazeehan

May 26th, 2008, 12:17 AM

thats very good news, isnt Kanchpur in out skirts of dhaka i.e near naryanganj which is like in the opposite direction of the expansion of the city?

I dont really like the idea of expanding in the direction of Naryanganj..would have been so much better had they developed something like this near Uttara or Ashulia/Tongi

clearsky

May 26th, 2008, 12:44 AM

I dont really like the idea of expanding in the direction of Naryanganj..would have been so much better had they developed something like this near Uttara or Ashulia/Tongi

That's correct, but getting 40 acres of land in Uttara is out of the question and even IF found would not be anywhere close to 60 crorer. Hopefully, they will turn their investment into reality. Because they are now the big spender in investments and we desperately need our share.

tanzirian

May 26th, 2008, 01:11 AM

I think development in direction of Narayanganj is a positive step. I would think (in a very layman kind of way) that developing an efficient infrastructure system for a city that is shaped like a circle, would be easier than one shaped like a long rectangle...this would minimize distances from the center.

G2G

May 26th, 2008, 05:02 AM

Narayanganj is really well suited for such development. According to rajuk broder plan, these areas will be included in DHaka city map. The city should expand in both direction and such project will encourage others to come there and put up residential/commercial complexes.

I would like to see the city develops into something similar to west, more port driven. :)

snoq

May 26th, 2008, 07:18 AM

Kanchpur is a good location for city expansion, specially for a planned one. River Sitalakha run through this area. Already there are many middle income families bought land and built small cluster of communities with their own initiative. Most of these areas are low land and goes under water during June-Sep time that is even without flooding. Govt had a plan to build eastern flood protection embankment/road to protect whole eastern area from yearly water logging and flood. According to plan this embankment/road would provide easy and speedy access from east to north. But govt shied away without commitment of external funding.

There are lots of potential to develop eastern part of Dhaka. Proposed Dhaka-CTG highway will be through this area. Also if Jatrabari-gulistan flyover ever get completed, living in these area will be more attractive given proximity to Motijheel.

Hope there is some urban planning like “Purbachal” project for these under develop areas.

Tmac

June 2nd, 2008, 04:44 AM

unknown

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/unknownconstruction40.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/unknownconstruction41.jpg

Tmac

June 2nd, 2008, 04:47 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakaviews212-1.jpg

Tmac

June 2nd, 2008, 08:27 AM

under construction Grameen Phone Head Office

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/grameenheadoffice.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/grameenheadoffice2.jpg

Tmac

June 2nd, 2008, 08:28 AM

SPL Western Tower

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/spltower9.jpg

dopekhor

June 2nd, 2008, 11:17 AM

man when till they quit putting corny names and calling midget buildings towers

http://forums.ratedesi.com/images/smilies/ughs.gif western tower, spl plaza or spl center or the spl building would have sounded better

mirzazeehan

June 2nd, 2008, 10:01 PM

Construction in Dhaka keeps going on and on and on:cheers:

SPL Western Tower,Gulshan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/spltower9.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04032.jpg

Nafi Tower,Gulshan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04037.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04039.jpg

Jabbar Tower,Gulshan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04036.jpg

Fortune Shopping Mall,Mouchak

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

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

ABC Heights,Uttara[notice another building being built to the right]

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

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04013.jpg

Update Tower,Uttara

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

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04015.jpg

Polwel Carnation,Uttara

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

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04016.jpg

Square Hospital Astras Wing,Panthopath

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04005.jpg

Unknown building,Panthopath

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04002.jpg

Concord Richmond,Gulshan

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

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04041.jpg

Bulu Center,Gulshan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04044.jpg

Ridge Park,Gulshan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04045.jpg

18 Storey Taher Tower,Gulshan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04048.jpg

Unknown Tower,Dhanmondi

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04007.jpg

HSBC building,Uttara

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04012.jpg

amar11372

June 3rd, 2008, 02:14 AM

^^ That was quite an extensive update. Thanks Man. :cheers2:

itanvir

June 3rd, 2008, 11:50 PM

You were talking about high rise structures in Bangladesh. Bangladesh will never be able to get any structure greater than 50 storey in near future. In that case you have to go for composite structure. This is highly expensive as steel is not produced in the local market. Even, there is no furnace in the country, so how would you people think to get thousands of steel sections and build a building greater than 50? However, some exceptional cases can be seen in the world like Al Ghurair Giga constructiong a tower in Islamabad as concrete structures. Approximate height is assumed 60 storey.

Soil shouldn't be a problem for any country as several soil stabilization techniques are available through out the field like teno column, twin shaft mixing, slurry injection, reinforced soil etc.

Whatever, if any private organiztion can afford to make such a high rise building, it will be great.

Don't be so happy by seeing several high rise structures in Dhaka. We are far far behind, even among the third world nations. India proposed Noida tower having 160 storey (750 m) Even Pakistan constructing 60 storey building as I already mentioned, having existing 47 storey IT tower in Karachi already. And we are just constructing 37 storey?

mirzazeehan

June 4th, 2008, 01:15 AM

We may be behind in terms of height of high rise buildings,but we are ahead in terms of "Number" of buildings than most 3rd world nations...I dont know about you...but I would prefer five 20 storied buildings over one 50 storied buidling anyday.Then theres also the "glass" factor that makes a high rise building looks nice....and Dhaka has a big number of towers with glass facade compared to many other cities.

amar11372

June 4th, 2008, 02:06 AM

G2G

June 4th, 2008, 05:09 AM

Kaarachi might have one near 50 stories building , but, i know for sure that the total number of high rise buildings in entire Pakistan is much lower. They dont need to build those as they have plenty of land and their urban and city structure is vastly improved than ours with much better urban planning. Dhaka have more high rises becoz the land and city size is quite small compared to any major city in Pakistan.

This is probably the best solution for Bangladesh as the country is going through economic changes very rapidly.

itanvir

June 4th, 2008, 02:55 PM

I can't understand what your are trying to tell us...we shouldn't be proud of the developments in BD??? I simply don't get your logic.

No, we shouldn't be proud yet. Development is not that much yet. We are 5 years behind from neigbouring Pakistan, 10 years from India, and 50 years from United States. We should feel proud that day, when BD will see 100 storeyd superstructure. 37 is nothing these days.

Yeah, we should feel proud of having high rise structures in numbers as compared to our neighbouring countries. But I am afraid, seismic load has been considered to these structures are not. If an earthquake comes of magnitude 7, can you imagine what will happen to dhaka city?

Tmac

June 4th, 2008, 04:17 PM

No, we shouldn't be proud yet. Development is not that much yet. We are 5 years behind from neigbouring Pakistan, 10 years from India, and 50 years from United States.

incase you are unaware of this.........all three countries mentioned above have had their independence 25-200 years before we had ours. They had a 25-200 years advance start on us.

dopekhor

June 4th, 2008, 06:00 PM

incase you are unaware of this.........all three countries mentioned above have had their independence 25-200 years before we had ours. They had a 25-200 years advance start on us.
thats not a factor we just dont have the will power, we bangalis dont deserve anything good

it just makes me sad how people react to the politicians as if they are gods and they expect to live good

*sigh*

mirzazeehan

June 4th, 2008, 06:26 PM

No, we shouldn't be proud yet. Development is not that much yet. We are 5 years behind from neigbouring Pakistan, 10 years from India, and 50 years from United States.

Thats a good one..but you should have saved it for the "jokes and humour thread"

In order to prove you wrong,I would have to make statements that could be regarded as "offensive" by many of our foreign friends....so I shall refrain from doing so.In the meantime,I advise you to stop making such comparison that could result in a "war of words" between forumers from different countries.

sas

June 4th, 2008, 06:59 PM

Come on guys, let's not make such comparisons. We need to forget about what we've achieved over the past 35 years and look to the future. It more of than not a case where we tend to always and I repeat always, overlook all the positives that have happened in our country. Yes this is a country constant political instability, natural calamities, rampant corruption and practically no leadership. Despite all of this, our economy has consistently growing at 6-7%, we've had record remittances coming in from abroad, our RMG sector has flourished and we have made tremendous strides with regards to disaster management. Let's look forward.

itanvir

June 4th, 2008, 07:20 PM

Thats a good one..but you should have saved it for the "jokes and humour thread"

In order to prove you wrong,I would have to make statements that could be regarded as "offensive" by many of our foreign friends....so I shall refrain from doing so.In the meantime,I advise you to stop making such comparison that could result in a "war of words" between forumers from different countries.

Talking a serious issue, a real fact of BD...u r telling me to post it in "jokes and humour thread"? R u kidding man?

And I don't think so any foreigner friend writes over here. Even though, they wouldn't mind! This forum is specialized for Bangladesh. So, you can make your statements.

Yes, we should look forward. Hope that we could proud for BD soon.

tanzirian

June 4th, 2008, 07:29 PM

amar11372

June 4th, 2008, 10:38 PM

Talking a serious issue, a real fact of BD...u r telling me to post it in "jokes and humour thread"? R u kidding man?

And I don't think so any foreigner friend writes over here. Even though, they wouldn't mind! This forum is specialized for Bangladesh. So, you can make your statements.

Yes, we should look forward. Hope that we could proud for BD soon.

Thats not the issue. This forum was created to post picture about Bangladesh. So don't ruin it for the rest of us. And please don't make unnecessary and baseless comment (not welcomed here) and try to show that there is actually a logic behind it.No, we shouldn't be proud yet. Development is not that much yet.

manbil777

June 5th, 2008, 05:29 AM

If one is,

a) a developer with real money at stake, or

b) an architect or civil engineer making comments from experience and expertise

then those comments start making sense. Unqualified and inexperienced comments go nowhere or help no one -- so maybe better not to offer them.

Without going into too much controversy -- I'm sure most forumers here would agree with me that 'constructive' comments are those which help architectural development in Bangladesh.

I have little to gain from the news (quality of news-wise) how 'tall' Karachi's or Mumbai's towers are.

I have more to gain about the effort (or lack thereof) of those 'other' cities to build sustainable and livable neighborhoods which are aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sound, tall or otherwise.

I personally get a lot out of the work like Frank Gehry's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Dusseldorf-gehry.JPG) rather than bland supertalls.

It's NOT a 'I'm taller than you' race to the finish :ohno:

nayeem007

June 5th, 2008, 06:25 AM

We should not get overly concerned with height. Look at Japan which doesn't have a single supertall...nonetheless their urban environments are impressive. And comparison to India and Pak is not valid I feel. India is about to become a economic superpower over the course of the next 50 years, with hundreds of billions of dollars in investment pouring in...in short run it is quite unlikely that Dhaka will be able to keep pace with Indian cities in terms of overall development. And Pakistan had a 25 year head start in independence and effectively 35 year head start in meaningful economic development. So I think, taken into context, we are not doing poorly in the highrise dept. At any rate I think Dhaka's future is with dense midrise development, not supertalls.

Bro, I have to disagree with you on this. Just because India is getting lot of investment does not mean that Bangladeshi cities cannot catch up with it. Compare world power China and South Korea or Japan. The later two are probably 40 times smaller than China yet they have even better infrastructure and living standard than China.

India could very well be a superpower, but that does not stop Bangladesh from becoming a economic powerhouse. If South Koreans thought this way 25years back they could have never been able to cross China in terms of development. Today Seoul is one of the most advanced city in the world..

We Bangladeshis need to be more confident...

bhopalus

June 5th, 2008, 06:33 AM

incase you are unaware of this.........all three countries mentioned above have had their independence 25-200 years before we had ours. They had a 25-200 years advance start on us.

LOL it's not quite as simple as time. it's not like the more time they've had, the more development will occur. Look at India. Thanks to stupid, stupid socialism and Nehruvian economic idiocy, India's cities only saw any real growth in the past 15 years. Delhi metro, Mumbai's supertalls, world class highways, Gujarat's growth story, etc all came up within the past 15-20 years. Most of the good stuff is coming now and into the future (a metro in like 5 cities, GIFT, urban renewal, world class airports, privatization, etc). So it's not quite as simple as time, because Indian cities only started growing after we began to adopt capitalism (gradually, mind you) after 1991. Bangladesh should avoid Indian stupidity and follow the USA model of development that India is now gradually adopting.

mirzazeehan

June 5th, 2008, 05:40 PM

Bro, I have to disagree with you on this. Just because India is getting lot of investment does not mean that Bangladeshi cities cannot catch up with it. Compare world power China and South Korea or Japan. The later two are probably 40 times smaller than China yet they have even better infrastructure and living standard than China.

India could very well be a superpower, but that does not stop Bangladesh from becoming a economic powerhouse. If South Koreans thought this way 25years back they could have never been able to cross China in terms of development. Today Seoul is one of the most advanced city in the world..

We Bangladeshis need to be more confident...

Well said

I second that..

tanzirian

June 6th, 2008, 04:13 AM

^^ Let me clarify what I was saying: I am not saying that Bangladesh cannot or will not be economically strong, or that we won't be able to match the level of development of our neighbors. I'm very proud of what we have acheived and have faith for the future. What I am saying, is that for the next few decades, chances are that India will likely be developing at a speed comparable to the way China is doing today. I think it's highly likely that we will be one of world's top twenty economies within fifty years, if we get our political /economic climate right. But how fast the process is for us, still remains to be seen. Our road to development is necessarily different to that of our neighbors. And comparing Korea / Japan to China is not the same....because the former two began modern development a long time before their bigger neighbor.

mirzazeehan

June 12th, 2008, 01:26 AM

Any idea which building is the biman's press and medical center at farmgate?

Biman to construct commercial structures on its own lands

The re-born national airline Biman is going to construct various commercially viable structures on its own lands across the country for enhancing its revenue earning, accommodation of layover passengers and minimizing operating cost, reports UNB.
As a part of this initiative, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited is going to start construction of a 4-star hotel in Dhaka very soon, officials said.
The location of the hotel is Farmgate area where the Biman press, medical center and poultry-display center are situated. The total land area of the hotel will be 1.33 acres.Biman authorities have already floated request for Expression of Interest (EOI) from interested eligible applicants.
As per the Biman sources, the eligibility for participating in the EOI requires that the applicants should have experience of running reputed hotel chains/operators, or local/foreign firms in association/joint-venture with reputed hotel chains/operators.
The hotel might be operated under Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) or Build Operate Own and Transfer (BOOT) or Build Operate and Own (BOO) agreement, or any other such deal for that matter.
"Yes, we are going to construct a 4-star hotel. The Board of Directors of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited wanted to utilize such spaces at optimum level," Biman managing director and chief executive director MA Momen told UNB.
He mentioned that Biman has to pay Tk 8 million to 10 million per month for accommodation of its layover passengers in different hotels.
Special assistant to the Chief Adviser Mahbub Jamil at the agreement-signing ceremony of Boeing aircraft couple of months back hinted that the press of the Biman would be shut down as the country is much advanced in the printing sector at present and the printing press of Biman is a losing concern.
Well-placed sources in Biman confirmed that the Board of Directors of the national flag carrier also gave the consent to the plan for building a commercially viable structure at its Motijheel office.
"Yes, the Board has given the decision in this regard. We will aggressively step forward to make the Biman a very much commercially viable organiza-tion like any other best airliner in the world," he said.

Source:http://www.newstoday-bd.com/frontpage.asp?newsdate=#13127

Tmac

June 12th, 2008, 05:57 AM

Biman to construct commercial structures on its own lands

I don't believe a single word of any of this.

Tmac

June 12th, 2008, 05:58 AM

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2008/06/12/2008-06-12__f03.jpg
Development work continues in Begunbari canal under a development project in Hatirjheel in the capital and supervised by Bangladesh Army.

dopekhor

June 12th, 2008, 11:27 AM

I don't believe a single word of any of this.
well they will lease out lands they are under tremendous pressure from the govt

i just hope they finish building the intercontinental and holiday inn beside the airport they dont need to finish both at the same time they can do it one after the other since they suffer from funding

mirzazeehan

June 12th, 2008, 12:15 PM

well they will lease out lands they are under tremendous pressure from the govt

i just hope they finish building the intercontinental and holiday inn beside the airport they dont need to finish both at the same time they can do it one after the other since they suffer from funding

Isn't Bengal group's subsidiary "IPCO" behind Holiday Inn and Intercontinental?Does the land belong to Biman?Why is it stalled?If it does belong to Biman, Any hope of work resuming there now that Biman decided to lease out lands publicly?Thanks in advance

sas

June 14th, 2008, 07:14 AM

Bengal Group is bankrupt I believe. This project is well and truly over to the best of my knowledge. No development has taken place in the last two and a half years.

TIslam

June 14th, 2008, 04:06 PM

Bengal Group is bankrupt I believe. This project is well and truly over to the best of my knowledge. No development has taken place in the last two and a half years.

Why is it bankrupt? Was it a "fly by night" outfit? Perhaps there are interested parties who will come forward and take over.

dopekhor

June 15th, 2008, 12:35 AM

Bengal Group is bankrupt I believe. This project is well and truly over to the best of my knowledge. No development has taken place in the last two and a half years.
there are two bengal groups which one are you talking about, one is abul khair litus the other is bengal meat, bengal foam/plastic, rtv, etc

sas

June 15th, 2008, 04:41 AM

The former.

mirzazeehan

June 16th, 2008, 02:19 AM

Well guys,am back from Coxsbazar..took a good number of pics,will be posting them in a day or two:]

Anyways,heres another update on some projects in Dhaka

Baitul Muk. Area

Far East Tower at the peak of its height

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04114.jpg

Unknown tower on the rise

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04117.jpg

Baitul View Tower and Surma Tower are nearing completion

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04107.jpg

Bengal Tower

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

Rangs Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04106.jpg

Baitul View Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04108.jpg

Surma Tower and National Sports Council Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04110.jpg

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

Gulshan Avenue

Nafi Tower getting the white paint

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04120.jpg

Doreen Tower and to be 18 storey Taher Tower will rise from behind the bill board

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04121.jpg

BijoyNagar Area

Unknown Towers

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04101.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04102.jpg

Work in progress in Saiham Tower,Akram Tower and 'Convex' Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04105.jpg

Kakrail Area

Rupayun Karim Tower progressing slowly

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04100.jpg

tanzirian

June 16th, 2008, 03:34 AM

Tmac

June 16th, 2008, 04:10 AM

great photos once again Mirza!

amar11372

June 16th, 2008, 05:13 AM

Awesome Mirza. Cool pics. :)

manbil777

June 16th, 2008, 12:45 PM

Hear hear!

mirzazeehan

June 16th, 2008, 12:50 PM

Great update, Mirza.* Certainly we seem to evolving from simple glass boxes to more complex designs...the diagonal patterns on Surma being a case on point, or the variety of surface treatments on Nafi.* This is great to see...since highrises in Dhaka so far impress more for number than height, the effort towards visually diverse exteriors is very welcome.

You are right...the Dhaka developers are increasingly designing much more complex and futuristic looking towers these days,and its not just the towers,many low rise buildings in Gulshan and Dhanmondi are now great examples of our architectural advancement.With over a hundred highrise projects in the pipeline,Dhaka seems well set to look "all modern and futuristic" in a few years time,atleast in terms of Towers and Architecture.

mirzazeehan

June 16th, 2008, 01:14 PM

Hear hear!

Thanks guys

mirzazeehan

June 16th, 2008, 01:17 PM

The former.

Litu's Bengal group has become bankrupt?Then is it the other Bengal group which is building the Bengal Tower at Baitul Muk. Area?

amar11372

June 16th, 2008, 01:17 PM

You are right...the Dhaka developers are increasingly designing much more complex and futuristic looking towers these days,and its not just the towers,many low rise buildings in Gulshan and Dhanmondi are now great examples of our architectural advancement.With over a hundred highrise projects in the pipeline,Dhaka seems well set to look "all modern and futuristic" in a few years time,atleast in terms of Towers and Architecture.

:drool: :righton:

dopekhor

June 16th, 2008, 09:15 PM

woah talk about towers in the bundles!

great pics mirza!

sas

June 17th, 2008, 07:13 AM

Litu's Bengal group has become bankrupt?Then is it the other Bengal group which is building the Bengal Tower at Baitul Muk. Area?

To be honest, I take back my original comment - so please accept my apologies. What I meant was that the hotel project at ZIA is seeing no light. Am unsure of the present state of Bengal Group's business (once again not to be confused with Bengal Meat or Bengal Fine Ceramics!) - had said that simply because of the current political situation and the caretaker Government's recent drive against illicit businesses.

mirzazeehan

June 17th, 2008, 10:56 AM

To be honest, I take back my original comment - so please accept my apologies. What I meant was that the hotel project at ZIA is seeing no light. Am unsure of the present state of Bengal Group's business (once again not to be confused with Bengal Meat or Bengal Fine Ceramics!) - had said that simply because of the current political situation and the caretaker Government's recent drive against illicit businesses.

LoL,you almost scared me man.I dont think Litu is that much into trouble,cause he was released months ago and the work on the bengal tower resumed shortly,reflecting the ability of the group to carry on its operations as long as its head is around.Lets just hope the Intercontinental and holiday inn project,which also included another mall the size of Bashundhara City, gets started sooner or later.They have already invested alot of money there and blocked a prime area,so may the developers may not give up hope that easily.

sas

June 18th, 2008, 05:54 AM

What about the Hilton re-location to Nikunjo dopekhor? Any updates?

Tmac

June 18th, 2008, 08:30 AM

few under construction buildings in Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakaviews229.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakaviews230-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakabuildings220.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakabuildings213.jpg

mirzazeehan

June 18th, 2008, 09:47 AM

What about the Hilton re-location to Nikunjo dopekhor? Any updates?

Visited Nikunjo two times in the last week....but no boards up for it yet.

sas

June 19th, 2008, 12:51 PM

Visited Nikunjo two times in the last week....but no boards up for it yet.

Yeah that's totally understandable. We would have definitely known had something like that had taken place. But I think it's more speculation rather than anything else, even though Dope did read it in the papers (am I correct?).

Tmac

June 20th, 2008, 06:23 AM

Monem Financial is coming along nicely. What's the building on the right bottom corner? Mirza?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakaviews243-1.jpg

under construction in Uttara

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakaviews247-1.jpg

mirzazeehan

June 24th, 2008, 12:04 AM

Monem Financial is coming along nicely. What's the building on the right bottom corner? Mirza?

Tmac,thats some Six storey commercial complex rising on panthopath..no idea why they are building only 6 storey there.

sas

June 24th, 2008, 05:27 AM

Does anyone have any detailed information on Monem Financial District? Where exactly is the entrance to this complex going to be? Any useful links on the Internet would be appreciated.

mirzazeehan

June 24th, 2008, 11:05 PM

Does anyone have any detailed information on Monem Financial District? Where exactly is the entrance to this complex going to be? Any useful links on the Internet would be appreciated.

24 Storey Monem Financial District,Sonargoan Road

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

I think this part will be the main entrance to the complex
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/monemfinancialdistrictsonargoanr-2.jpg

mirzazeehan

June 25th, 2008, 12:05 AM

Projects in Uttara

Approved and Underconstruction towers are pointed out in the pic below

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

ABC Heritage

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04281.jpg

Towers on the rise[1st pic taken from RAK Tower]

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04304.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04294.jpg

HSBC building

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04292.jpg

Banani

Unknown tower beside Hotel Sarina

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04310.jpg

PrimeAsia University Building

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04311.jpg

Developments at Bijoynagar

All Projects are progressing well...as evident from the pics below

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04331.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04336.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04104.jpg

Gulshan

Nafi Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04337.jpg

Bulu S Center

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04277.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04313.jpg

Unknown building with unique architecture

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04314.jpg

Other

ADC Empire Plaza,Dhanmondi

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

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04095.jpg

15 storey MK Terminal,Banglamotor Intersection

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

Left Wing of the complex has been completed,and is seen on the right

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04089.jpg

amar11372

June 25th, 2008, 02:25 AM

15 storey MK Terminal,Banglamotor Intersection

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

Left Wing of the complex has been completed,and is seen on the right

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04089.jpg

Great update Mirza. Love the classic design. :cheers:

manbil777

June 25th, 2008, 03:32 AM

Good pictures Bhai Mirza!

Re: "ADC Empire Plaza,Dhanmondi" -- if the render is any indication -- I think the architect used up all the 'Post-modernist' design elements in one single building (roman diagonal, etruscan, horizontal, glass capsule, curtain wall, you name it) :lol:

The builders definitely got their money's worth!

sas

June 25th, 2008, 05:17 AM

Mirza many thanks. Keep them flowing in. When's Monem Financial District scheduled to be ready?

mirzazeehan

June 26th, 2008, 12:14 AM

Mirza many thanks. Keep them flowing in. When's Monem Financial District scheduled to be ready?

You are WC

I dont know the scheduled date,but I think it was set to open by the end of this year but not much progress was made for a long time after 1/11.Since work has started again in good pace,I think we will have to wait atleast one more year to see this project finished

brightside.

June 27th, 2008, 06:52 AM

Some nice looking buildings coming up in Dhaka.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04314.jpg

I didn't know you guys had the National Bank of Pakistan over there :runaway:

mirzazeehan

June 27th, 2008, 10:36 AM

mirzazeehan

June 27th, 2008, 11:17 AM

manbil777

June 28th, 2008, 03:03 AM

Thanks brightside

I wasn't aware of the existence of this bank in BD too until very recently...I dont know how many branches they have here,but this is the only one I have seen.Maybe it came to Bangladesh very recently.

I know Habib Bank has been here since the early nineties. Probably the same for NBP as well. They haven't gone into retail banking -- they only do commercial banking (like opening L/C's etc.).

amar11372

June 28th, 2008, 04:21 AM

^^Habib Bank in BD can only lend to importer/exporters like manbil said, no foreign banks can operate in the Retail/Corporate sector in BD.

sas

June 29th, 2008, 05:40 AM

Clarification on your previous post amar - There are presently ten foreign banks registered under Bangladesh Bank:
* Standard Chartered
* HSBC
* Citibank, N.A.
* Commercial Bank of Ceylon
* State Bank of India
* Habib Bank
* National Bank of Pakistan
* Woori Bank
* Bank Alfalah
* ICB Islami Bank
Most of these banks have corporate banking presence. Standard Chartered, HSBC and Commercial Bank of Ceylon also offer retail banking products.

brightside.

July 7th, 2008, 08:19 AM

So theres 3 Pakistani banks there. Interesting.

I know my private school from Karachi (The City School) also opened a branch in Bangladesh. It's a well known school in Pakistan, I wonder if any Bangladeshi member here knows about any schools named "The City School" in Bangladesh or maybe it's under a different name there. Would love to see pics of it.

brightside.

July 7th, 2008, 08:22 AM

Just googled it and found the website for it:

http://www.tcs-dhaka.com/

website of Pakistani TCS:

http://www.cityschools.edu.pk/

Kinda cool to think a few students in Bangladesh wear the same uniform and study under the same logo as I used to in my school days :cheers2:

mirzazeehan

July 8th, 2008, 12:36 AM

mirzazeehan

July 8th, 2008, 12:43 AM

Monem Business District seen on to-be 18 storey D.H. tower's glass facade

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04379.jpg

Work Resumes on the "Astras" Wing of Square Corporate Hospitals

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04347.jpg

Dhakaiya

July 8th, 2008, 08:04 AM

Great projects! Keep 'em coming Mirza!

amar11372

July 8th, 2008, 08:10 AM

Nice Mirza. Liked the reflection on the D.H. tower. ;)

mirzazeehan

July 9th, 2008, 02:28 AM

Nice Mirza. Liked the reflection on the D.H. tower. ;)

Thanks guys...

With so many glass towers up in the city now,theres enough such reflection in Dhaka to have its own thread,lol

mirzazeehan

July 9th, 2008, 02:31 AM

amar11372

July 9th, 2008, 03:22 AM

^^ It will be 16 stories according to the website.

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1215566493-clip-71kb.jpg

http://www.squarehospital.com/hos_over.html

mirzazeehan

July 9th, 2008, 03:40 AM

Surma Tower coming up nicely

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04386.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04387.jpg

Work has resumed on Unknown tower beside SQ Hospital Astras Wing

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04345.jpg

No progress seen on Doreen Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04351.jpg

Last minute work being done on this tower at Bijoynagar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04390.jpg

Orchard Point Tower rising beside Hotel Orchard Plaza

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04389.jpg

Paramount Tower at Baitul Muk. Area

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04388.jpg

Building beside Westin being completely renovated

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04352.jpg

Unknown Tower rising beside Meherba Plaza at Baituk Muk. Area

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04380.jpg

New Towers popping up at Baily Road

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04392.jpg

Work progresses at Ventura Properties building and Bulu S Center at Gulshan 2

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04354.jpg

Navana Building at Gulshan 2 getting prepared for glass facade

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04340.jpg

Fareast Tower

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04382.jpg

Rupayun Karim Tower at Kakrail coming up well

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04391.jpg

TIslam

July 9th, 2008, 05:16 AM

^^
Thanks for the update, Mirza. Good pictures. :cheers2:.

amar11372

July 9th, 2008, 06:08 AM

Excellent Mirza. :)

Dhakaiya

July 9th, 2008, 06:37 AM

Nice updates! But its sad to see Doreen Tower in this condition...its been like this for around 2 years...

tanzirian

July 10th, 2008, 07:04 AM

Great updates. When the new towers in Baitul are finished this area will look better than the rest of Motijheel which is in somewhat shabby condition these days.

mirzazeehan

July 10th, 2008, 08:54 AM

Great updates. When the new towers in Baitul are finished this area will look better than the rest of Motijheel which is in somewhat shabby condition these days.

Yes..and also keep in mind that construction of BK Tower,Yeawar Tower,ICL Trade Center,Bank headquaters Tower have not started yet,you can only imagine how much they would add to the Baitul Area Skyline

amar11372

July 10th, 2008, 09:39 AM

^^ Sounds good

manbil777

July 11th, 2008, 04:35 AM

Yes..and also keep in mind that construction of BK Tower,Yeawar Tower,ICL Trade Center,Bank headquaters Tower have not started yet,you can only imagine how much they would add to the Baitul Area Skyline

Good news Bhai Mirza :)

Please see if you can find some architectural renders...

tanzirian

July 11th, 2008, 05:18 AM

Good news Bhai Mirza :)

Please see if you can find some architectural renders...

Our ever-resourceful Mirza has already posted most of these. You can find renders of Bengal Tower and Yeawar Tower on page 7 of this thread (a render of Surma Tower is also on that page). On page 25 of the original Dhaka Projects thread you will find a render of ICL Trade Center which will be the tallest of this group at 26 storeys (and thus, third tallest in Motijheel area). On page 46 of the original thread you will find an additional render for Yeawar.

manbil777

July 12th, 2008, 02:02 AM

Our ever-resourceful Mirza has already posted most of these. You can find renders of Bengal Tower and Yeawar Tower on page 7 of this thread (a render of Surma Tower is also on that page). On page 25 of the original Dhaka Projects thread you will find a render of ICL Trade Center which will be the tallest of this group at 26 storeys (and thus, third tallest in Motijheel area). On page 46 of the original thread you will find an additional render for Yeawar.

Hey Tan, Thanks!

Shame on my lazy self for not looking first :)

amar11372

July 12th, 2008, 02:29 AM

[QUOTE=mirzazeehan;14024712]I.C.L. Trade Center(26 storey),Motijheel

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01888.jpg
QUOTE]

The I.C.L. Trade Center looks cools Mirza, do you know if they started the construction?

manbil777

July 12th, 2008, 08:56 AM

I googled the heck out of it (ICL) and couldn't locate anything.

manbil777

July 12th, 2008, 09:42 AM

Don't know if it has been posted before -- but here are some renders from Mir Hossain Real Estate (they had American Embassy and Radisson as previous projects among others). Here are a few under construction...

BK Tower Render

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn110/manbil9/bk.jpg

HRC Bhaban actual

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn110/manbil9/hrc.jpg

Ismali Bank tower actual

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn110/manbil9/ib.jpg

IUB Campus render

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn110/manbil9/iub.jpg

National Life Insurance Tower in Karwan Bazar (Render looks kind of cheesy and low-budget though I'm sure actual will look fine)

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn110/manbil9/nli.jpg

amar11372

July 12th, 2008, 09:46 AM

amar11372

July 12th, 2008, 09:47 AM

PRIYOPRANGAN MH SQUARE 17 Stories

http://www.delvistaa.com/d_pics/vistaara%20projects/priyo_mhs_1%20copy.jpg

amar11372

July 12th, 2008, 09:56 AM

Samshul Alamin Real estate Ltd. 15 Stories

Ongoing

Kakrail, Dhaka.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/amar11372/image.png

amar11372

July 12th, 2008, 09:57 AM

National Life Insurance Tower in Karwan Bazar (Render looks kind of cheesy and low-budget though I'm sure actual will look fine)

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn110/manbil9/nli.jpg

Haha looks like speed racer the movie. :lol:

amar11372

July 12th, 2008, 10:01 AM

SAMSHUL ALAMIN REAL ESTATE LTD.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/amar11372/image-1.png

manbil777

July 12th, 2008, 10:17 AM

Borak Real Estate

Sorry about the thumbnail renders, thats all I found

*Ongoing

Banani DCC Unique Complex

http://www.rehabhousing.com/uploads/CMPBDAAAAA.jpg

Unique Heights

http://www.rehabhousing.com/uploads/APTKABAAAA.jpg

http://www.rehabhousing.com/uploads/APTKABAAAA_2.jpg

http://www.rehabhousing.com/uploads/APTKABAAAA_3.jpg

Red Crescent Borak Tower

http://www.rehabhousing.com/uploads/APTMABAAAA.jpg

Here's a story about the Banani DCC complex, among other DCC projects in the Gulshan area.

Daily star story on DCC projects (http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=34851)

DCC is going to get rid of the Gulshan 1 market and also the Banani Bazar market apparently.

It says, "Borak Real Estate will build the 14-storey Banani project and Amin Associate Overseas Ltd will implement the Gulshan-1 project. Bashundhara City Development Ltd and United City Twin Tower Development Ltd will jointly build the 26-storey Gulshan-2 project, according to contract documents...."

The New Age had this story,

"DCC picks two firms for construction of two shopping complexes

Helemul Alam

The Dhaka City Corporation has picked two firms to construct two multi-storey shopping complexes at Gulshan 2 and Banani. The Basundhara City Development has been selected to construct a 26-storey shopping complex on a 3-bigha land at Gulshan-2 and the Borak Real Estate Limited has been selected to construct a 13-storey shopping complex on a 3-bigha land at Banani, said an official of the corporation. Both firms have been selected, following evaluation of tender committee of the corporation, he said. The draft contract agreements were signed between the Dhaka City Corporation and both the firms on February 12, which were approved by the mayor, Sadeque Hossain Khoka, on the day. Both the complexes will be constructed on a build-own-transfer scheme, which is now waiting for the final approval of the LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry. After getting the final approval of the ministry concerned, the firms will finally be awarded the construction of the complexes, said the official. The estimated cost for the construction of the Gulshan complex is about Tk 56 crore which will be provided by the Bashundhara City Development.

After the construction of the complexes, the Gulshan complex will be divided into the ratio of 25:75, that is, corporation will get 25 per cent shares and Bashundhara will get 75 per cent, he said. On the other hand, the estimated cost for the construction of the Banani shopping complex is Tk 38 crore. The share of the market will be divided into 30:70 ratio, that is, the corporation will get 30 per cent share and the Borak Real Estate Limited will get 70 per cent. The corporation will be the owner of the first six storeys, open spaces and other unusable portion of both the complexes. The first six storeys of both the complexes will be used for shopping complex and the rest will be used for office and other purpose."