Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA). Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 17, 2025 (BSS) - Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) has finalized a 20-year master plan aiming to ensure planned development in the city and its adjacent areas at that time.

Around 364 square kilometres of two adjacent municipalities and 12 union parishads have been included in the 20-year plan spanning from 2022 to 2041, said SM Tuhinur Alam, chairman of RDA.

Under the current master plan, efforts are underway to transform the city into a greener, healthier, more educational, and industrial hub. New residential and commercial areas are either being developed around the city or will be in the future.

These areas will feature wide internal roads, footpaths, playgrounds, Eidgahs, as well as lakes or reservoirs.  All electrical, gas, water, and communication lines will be connected underground, ensuring a modern, efficient infrastructure.

Dr ABM Sharif Uddin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), said although the ancient Rajshahi city is located on the banks of the Padma River, it can be considered a 'flood-free city'. However, there is a risk of earthquakes, and the effects of climate change are significant, he added.

He also said the new master plan is theoretically sound, and its implement will require administrative and political stability, as well as continuity.

After its establishment in 1978, RDA prepared its first 20-year master plan, implemented in 1984 over 127 square kilometers.

Following its expiration, RDA introduced the Rajshahi Metropolitan Development Plan (RMDP), using modern planning tools like GPS, Total Station, RTK, and GIS for the first time in Bangladesh. Extensive surveys were conducted, and data was digitized in this efforts.