RAJUK Approves Nearly 8,000 Online Permits

The Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) is using online permits to simplify building approval procedures in Dhaka. From March to September this year, the authority received 10,985 applications for planning and construction permits and approved 7,993. While the digital system aims to reduce delays and inconvenience for applicants, construction-site monitoring and the collection of no-objection certificates (NOCs) from other agencies have yet to be fully digitised.

According to RAJUK data, 7,055 applications were submitted for planning permits during the seven-month period, of which 5,393 were approved. For construction permits, 3,930 applications were received and 2,600 were approved. Zone 4 recorded the highest number of applications and approvals during the period.

The figures were confirmed by RAJUK Director (Development) Engineer Nur-e-Khoda and Director (Development Control-1) Md Monirul Haque.

Time Limits for Processing Applications

Under RAJUK rules, planning permit applications are subject to a 30-day processing deadline. Construction permit applications must be presented to the Building Construction (BC) Committee within 24 days. If an application contains errors or deficiencies, applicants are notified through the online system.

RAJUK Chairman Engineer Riazul Islam Rizu said service recipients had faced considerable harassment in the past when seeking permits. The online system was introduced to reduce those difficulties, he said.

He added that RAJUK is monitoring compliance with the prescribed timelines for planning and construction permits. The authority also plans to bring all its services under digital systems in the future.

Digitalisation Began with a Dhanmondi Pilot

RAJUK Chief Town Planner Engineer Md Ashraful Islam said the digitalisation initiative began in 2016 through a pilot project in the Dhanmondi area funded by the World Bank.

Although RAJUK’s own permit approvals have moved online, not every stage of the building process has followed suit. Construction-site monitoring and the process of obtaining NOCs from agencies such as the Fire Service and Civil Aviation remain manual. These gaps continue to limit the speed of the overall approval process.

Stakeholders believe a coordinated digital platform, or “one-window cell”, linking RAJUK with all relevant approval and safety agencies could reduce the need for applicants to contact multiple offices. Such integration could also improve transparency, deadline monitoring and service efficiency.

RAJUK’s online permit system represents an important step towards digital urban services. However, further progress will depend on integrating the entire process—from application and approval to construction monitoring and external clearances—into a coordinated digital platform.

//DBTech/BSS/DMO/SMP//