Quantification of Private Response to Public Residential Land Development: A Case Study of Eastern Fringe, Dhaka City

Abstract

Dhaka, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, faces acute challenges in providing buildable land for housing. In response, the private sector plays a significant role in land and housing development, often without legal permits and under political influence and corruption. This paper analyses the private response to the government’s New Town project in the eastern fringe of Dhaka, where numerous housing companies have developed surrounding areas without legal authorisation. Findings indicate that private sector land conversion exceeds government initiatives, is largely uncontrollable, and occurs in low-lying agricultural zones, thereby increasing risks of urban flooding. Issues of illegality, insecure land tenure, and governance failure are highlighted, with implications for long-term urban sustainability.