Bashundhara residents oppose bringing area under city corporation control

Residents of the Bashundhara Residential Area, widely regarded as one of the country’s most organised smart and green residential zones, have expressed strong opposition to bringing the area under the jurisdiction of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).

According to residents, Bashundhara has long been known for its modern, secure and well-maintained civic environment compared to other residential areas in the country. They claim the locality remains safe, clean, and largely free from drug-related activities and criminal disturbances, a standard they say has been maintained through the efforts of the Bashundhara Welfare Society.

Residents argue that they do not want the control of civic services transferred to the city corporation, as they believe the existing system ensures better management and security.

They further state that the welfare society has been continuously working to ensure civic facilities for plot and apartment owners in the area. In protest against inclusion under DNCC, residents have already signed a collective consent letter and submitted it to the concerned authorities.

Following this, a letter was sent on 6 May to the DNCC administrator by Bashundhara Welfare Society President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal, MP, and Secretary General Captain (retd) Sheikh Ehsan Reza, on behalf of the residents, requesting reconsideration of the matter.

Residents have expressed concern that if the area is brought under the city corporation, its existing peace and order may be disrupted. They fear that the current security system could weaken, potentially increasing the presence of outsiders, including criminals, extortionists, hawkers and drug users.

At present, residents say, trained private security personnel guard all entry points of the area round the clock, supported by extensive CCTV surveillance. They claim this strict security arrangement prevents criminal entry into the locality.

Residents also argue that they enjoy a peaceful and well-managed living environment, both during the day and night, which they believe is unmatched elsewhere in the country. They say they do not want the area brought under DNCC, as all modern services are currently being managed and financed by the welfare society, and that the city corporation would not be able to maintain the same standard.

They further warn that inclusion under DNCC could lead to disorder, increased presence of informal vendors, and deterioration of cleanliness and discipline in the area.

According to the letter sent by the welfare society, all major civic services in Bashundhara — including road construction and maintenance, footpath upkeep, drainage cleaning, waste management, street lighting, water supply, mosquito control, and security arrangements — are being provided through the society’s own funding without financial support from DNCC.

The society also noted that approval has already been obtained to complete all development works in the area by 2034. It added that residents had earlier submitted a collective application expressing their unwillingness to be brought under city corporation jurisdiction.

The letter also highlighted that the area is home to major hospitals, universities, international-standard educational institutions, sports facilities, a golf club, shopping malls, restaurants, supermarkets and community parks. It said these facilities make the area one of the most advanced residential zones in the country.

Residents also expressed concern over recent DNCC notices regarding holding tax and service charges, saying these have created mixed reactions and financial pressure among property owners.

The welfare society has urged suspension of all holding tax and service charge collection until a final decision is made on the area’s administrative status. It has also requested that Bashundhara Residential Area not be brought under DNCC, considering the mental and financial condition of residents and property owners.