RAJUK (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha)

RAJUK operates under the Town Improvement Act 1953 and Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules 2008. Key functions: approval of building plans (architectural, structural, MEP), issuance of construction permits, inspection during construction, issuance of occupancy certificates, enforcement of building regulations, and land use zoning (DAP — Detailed Area Plan). RAJUK approval is required for any construction, alteration, or change of use in the Dhaka metropolitan area. The approval process typically takes 3-6 months and requires: architectural drawings signed by a registered architect, structural drawings signed by a registered engineer, site plan showing setbacks and FAR compliance, and various NOCs (No Objection Certificates). RAJUK has been criticised for enforcement gaps — many buildings are constructed without proper approvals or deviate from approved plans after approval.

RAJUK approval is the legal foundation for building construction in Dhaka. For due diligence, verifying RAJUK-approved drawings against actual construction reveals compliance status. Buildings without RAJUK approval face demolition risk, legal liability, and are uninsurable for structural defects.