Part- 01
Bangladesh, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, is experiencing rapid urbanization and faces significant challenges in providing adequate housing for its citizens. Urban centers like Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet are experiencing an unprecedented influx of people from rural areas, driven by the quest for better employment, education and healthcare. The rapid urbanization in Bangladesh has led to a rush in high-rise condominiums.
A condominium is a category of privately owned individual unit within a larger residential building or complex, where common areas (lobbies, stairways, gymnasium, pools, parking etc.) are jointly owned and maintained by all unit owners through a homeowners' association or similar governing body. Unlike apartments, condominiums are purchased outright, giving the owner full title to their unit while sharing responsibility for common spaces. Condominiums are popular due to their shared amenities, security and community living benefits, offering a middle ground between apartment rentals and standalone homes.
Condominiums are a relatively new housing concept in Bangladesh but have gained considerable attention due to affordability and potential to accommodate a large number of people within small land areas. In Bangladesh, condominiums are becoming increasingly common as a solution to land scarcity and rising demand for modern housing. However, several issues have emerged in the development of condominiums related to cultural shifts, infrastructure deficiencies, excessive traffic, inadequate drainage systems, limited parking spaces, inefficient waste management, power supply, fire hazards, legal issues related to land, affordability challenges and environmental concerns. Engineering solutions to these issues need to prioritize sustainable design and modern urban planning practices. Integrated sewerage treatment plant (STP), water treatment plant (WTP), solar energy technologies, cross-ventilation designs, green roofing are gradually being incorporated with the condominiums as to improve the environmental footprint.
Fire-resistant materials, automated sprinklers and underground electrical wiring can improve safety. Smart elevators with AI-based dispatching, modern automated security gadgets will improve the reliability. For drainage and waterlogging, integrated storm water management systems and permeable pavements can significantly reduce flooding risks. To address parking shortages, multi-level or underground parking facilities can be designed for space-optimization. Implementing earthquake-resistant structural designs using reinforced concrete and quality control standards can enhance building safety. Overall, condominiums development in Bangladesh needs to be guided by thoughtful design and strong regulatory oversight.
“According to the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh
(REHAB), in last two decades, over 184 condominium projects have been
developed nationwide, accommodating more than 5,00,000 residents”
Condominiums in Bangladesh: The growth of condominiums is driven by the local demand. The first condominium project in Bangladesh was constructed in Mohammadpur area, Dhaka in 2004 by Japan-Bangladesh Joint Venture Company. Thereafter, Building Technologies and Ideas Ltd (BTI), Sheltech (Pvt) Ltd, Concord Real Estate Limited, Navana Real Estate (NREL),Shanta Holdings,Sanmar Properties Limited, Nakshi Homes Ltd (NHL), Rangs Properties Limited, Dom-Inno Real estate company, ASSURE GROUP, ABC Real Estate Company, Artisan Real Estate Company, Regent Design and Development Ltd (RDDL), Epic Properties Ltd, Alliance Properties, Edison Real Estate started building condominiums in Dhaka. Sanmar Properties was the first to implement such project in Chattogram and East Valley Development Ltd built the first condominium in Sylhet.
According to the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), in last two decades, over 184 condominium projects have been developed nationwide, accommodating more than 5,00,000 residents. The projects include Rupayan City Uttara, the country's first mega gated community, which spans 81 acres and offers residential, commercial and recreational facilities with 63% open space. Sheltech's developments, such as Sheltech Bithika in Mirpur and Enclave Tower in Malibagh, emphasize spacious living with ample open areas. Lake City Concord, constructed using earthquake-resistant RCBM technology, features over 4,000 apartments along with schools, shopping centers and mosques. Navana Real Estate's "City Within" project offers a comprehensive living experience with amenities like swimming pools, a mosque and a shopping mall.
In Chattogram, Aziz Court Imperial stands as the tallest building, reflecting the city's vertical growth. The condominiums with modern amenities attract customers. Conversely, some developers have failed to deliver their promises. Concerns over construction quality, insufficient legal frameworks regulating condominium ownership, management and affordability are the major challenges in this sector. However, Bangladesh's condominium market is steadily growing, reflecting changing urban housing preferences.
(To be continued)
The writer completed his BSc in civil engineering from Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Dhaka. He also completed MSc in civil engineering. He is a member of IEB (The Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh). Presently, writer is serving in Army Headquarters, Dhaka.
