Following the completion of the Padma Bridge, which directly connects 21 southern districts with Dhaka, the housing sector has experienced rapid growth along the Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga Expressway. Key factors such as the appeal of comfortable countryside living and faster access to the capital have driven numerous housing projects along this route, linking Dhaka with the southwestern region through the Padma Bridge.

Rapid industrialization, centered around the bridge and transport corridor, has further fueled local housing demand. Many individuals and land developers are now constructing homes in these areas. Once primarily focused on the Padma Bridge mega project, the region has swiftly emerged as a new housing destination. However, the unplanned nature of this expansion raises concerns about potential challenges, necessitating a critical approach to managing this growth to avoid future tensions.

"The primary factor in choosing a location for clients in the housing market is connectivity. Each client tends to prefer a place that feels familiar or is close to their roots. For example, people from southern Bengal often prefer areas near Dhaka, particularly around the Dhaka-Mawa region. This preference is not only due to the more affordable pricing compared to central Dhaka, but also because many clients are now seeking larger, more spacious homes with greenery and natural amenities. As a result, the Dhaka-Mawa area is increasingly attracting attention," says A K M Rafiul Islam, Head of Sales at Sheltech (Pvt.) Ltd.

How can these newly developed projects ensure sustainability? Photo Courtesy: Anisur Rahman

The general trend in the newly developed areas along both sides of the Dhaka-Mawa Road reveals a growing focus on land development for housing, with some companies also offering apartments.

Amin Mohammad Group, a major real estate developer, has projects in these areas that cater to both lower and upper-middle-class segments.

"We have two projects along the Dhaka-Mawa Road: Amin Mohammad City and The Valley. In The Valley, we offer duplex buildings as well as plots in bighas, while in Amin Mohammad City, we exclusively sell plots. Both projects have attracted strong customer interest. With the construction of the Padma Bridge, residents from southern Bengal can now reach the capital more quickly and conveniently. We designed these projects to allow future residents easy access to their homes, while also enabling a commute of just 40 minutes to Dhaka for work or business. We strive to meet all government requirements in our developments," shares Gazi Ahmed Ullah, Head of Public Relations at Amin Mohammad Group.

He adds that the approximate price per katha of land is 15-16 lakh BDT. For a 3-katha plot, the cost would be around 45-50 lakh BDT, with a payment plan available over 5-7 years, making it more accessible for lower-middle-class buyers. For apartments, the installment period is typically 1-3 years. He believes this investment will be highly beneficial, as the value is expected to increase five to six times over the next five years.

Additional connecting links and infrastructural development could further attract housing developers to invest in the area in the coming days.

"Dhaka is expanding in all directions, particularly along the Dhaka-Sylhet, Purbachal, and Dhaka-Mawa highways. People from Chattogram tend to settle in Purbachal, while those from southern Bengal are increasingly drawn to areas near Dhaka-Mawa, where the Dhaka-Mawa link road is already attracting attention. Several reputable companies have developed significant properties in the Mawa area. Currently, real estate investors are heavily focusing on the adjacent highway areas, and the potential extension of modern amenities like the Metrorail could make these locations even more appealing to residents. Our company might consider projects in the Mawa area in the near future," says Kamrul Ahsan Rubel, Senior Marketing Manager at Building For Future.

Real estate insiders highlight a notable trend in Dhaka's housing market, particularly in the Dhaka-Mawa area, known as the "shared-building" tendency. In this trend, groups of individuals come together to pool resources, purchase land, and independently develop housing projects without relying on realtors.

"We have purchased ten bighas of land at the edge of Keraniganj, which will eventually expand to 130 bighas. Together with some of our colleagues and urban planners, we are developing a project where residents can build houses on only five kanthas of their purchased land, while a minimum of 15 kanthas must be reserved exclusively for gardening or farming, with no construction allowed. We will provide all modern amenities but will strictly ensure this development does not become a concrete jungle, preserving the environment for future generations. Located just 25 km from Mohammadpur, this area offers the perfect balance of rural ambiance and city proximity," says Mehedi Hasan, a planning engineer at Palm Green City.

He further states that the project aims to create housing that offers fresh air and greenery in a rural setting while incorporating modern amenities—something increasingly difficult to achieve within Dhaka.

However, concerns persist regarding the sustainability of these housing projects. The critical area surrounding the Padma Bridge is expected to attract more people, potentially increasing pollution near the river—a situation reminiscent of Dhaka's difficult experience with the Buriganga River.

"Unplanned development on both sides of the highway puts it at a disadvantage, encouraging retail-oriented growth rather than large-scale economic development. If retail housing developments dominate the area around the Padma Bridge, it will undermine the infrastructure's productivity potential. Additionally, we must prioritize protecting agricultural lands along the highway to secure the country's food security," states Dr. Md. Shamsul Hoque, Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at BUET.

New land development projects appear randomly along the Dhaka Mawa Expressway in Munshiganj District.

Additionally, unauthorized housing projects may continue to proliferate unchecked due to insufficient planning and weak law enforcement. Close monitoring of construction near riverine areas is essential to ensure both safety and sustainability.

"As the Dhaka-Mawa Highway and Keraniganj areas are adjacent to rivers, careful soil testing is necessary to obtain permission for large structures and to determine the maximum permissible height. The entire area should be systematically divided by urban planners, designating zones for residential areas, resorts, or hotels, and avoiding dense, unplanned, and unauthorized housing sectors. However, it appears that no authority is managing the current rapid expansion. This critical oversight needs to be enforced immediately, as it will be much harder to intervene once random construction is completed," mentions Md. Wahiduzzaman, President of REHAB.