A special plan and a national data bank will be set up to transform Dhaka into a modern and livable city, LGRD Minister Tajul Islam -- also convener of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) -- said today.

He said this while addressing a discussion on DAP with the leaders of Institute of Architects Bangladesh at the conference room of the local government department of the ministry.

The minister said that this special plan and the national data bank, which will be set up in line with the opinion of urban architects and urban planners, will act as a guideline for DAP.

"The final decision will be taken after impact assessment," the minister added.

He said the roads should be kept in line with the existing buildings in the capital and the buildings that may be constructed later.

"If high-rise buildings are built to accommodate thousands of people, roads and other facilities must be ensured," he added.

The minister said that the canals in Dhaka city would be connected to Hatirjheel in a planned manner and if water transport and walkways could be introduced on both sides, the city would have a unique view.

The minister also said implementation of DAP requires the views of public representatives, government officials, urban architects and planners.

"It is very difficult to do that without the concerted efforts of all concerned. We want to build Dhaka as a dream city by taking everyone with us."

He also said Rajdhani Unnoyon Kartipokkho needs to be strengthened.

Additional Secretary of the Department of Local Government, Dipok Chakraborty, Chairman of RAJUK Md. Saeed Nur Alam, President of Institute of Architects Bangladesh, Jalal Ahmed, among others, were present at the meeting.