Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020

The expressed intent of this Code is to ensure public safety, health and general welfare insofar as they are affected by the construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, use or occupancy of buildings, structures or premises, through structural strength, stability, means of egress, safety from fire and other hazards, sanitation, adequate light, ventilation and energy conservation.

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: This section defines the scope and purpose of the BNBC, covering structural, fire safety, egress, sanitation, ventilation, and energy conservation requirements.

The Building Official shall be authorized to enforce all the provisions of this Code and for such purposes the Building Official shall have the power of a law enforcing officer. Applications shall be made in writing to the Building Official for any erection, construction, addition, alteration, modification, repair, improvement, removal, conversion, change of occupancy, and demolition of any building or structure regulated by this Code.

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: The Building Official is the authority empowered to receive and process all building permit and occupancy certificate applications under the Code.

Any person, firm, corporation or government department or agency who as owner of the property erects, constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, improves, removes, converts, demolishes, equips, uses, occupies or maintains any building or structure or permits or allows the same to be done in violation of this Code shall be subjected to penalties prescribed by law.

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: Construction without a valid permit, or in violation of permit conditions, is subject to legal penalties under the Building Construction Act 1952.

No building or structure regulated by this Code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished without obtaining permit for each such work from the Building official.

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: This establishes the fundamental legal requirement for a building construction permit before any construction activity in Bangladesh.

(a) Land use certificate 24 months; (b) Large and specialized project permit 24 months; (c) Building permit 36 months (unless construction up-to plinth level is done); (d) Occupation certificate Perpetual (unless any change in use and physical properties)

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: Defines the validity periods for each permit type. A building permit lapses after 36 months if plinth-level construction has not begun. An occupancy certificate remains valid perpetually unless the building use or physical properties change.

If permit for a building or structure or a work regulated by this Code is obtained before adoption of this Code and the building or structure or work for which the permit is obtained is not completed within three years from the date of issuance of such permit, the said permit shall be deemed to have lapsed and fresh permit shall be necessary to proceed further with the work in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: Permits issued under the previous building code lapse after three years if the work is not completed, requiring a fresh application under BNBC 2020.

If the Building Official does not notify the applicant of such approval or refusal within this specified period, the application shall be deemed to have been approved provided the fact is brought to the notice of the Building Official.

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: Applications for building permits and occupancy certificates are deemed approved if the Building Official does not respond within the prescribed time, provided the applicant brings this to notice. This deemed approval does not override other regulations or the Code.

Land use certificate: 15 days; Large and Specialized Project permit: 45 days; Building permit: 45 days; Occupancy certificate: 15 days

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: The Building Official must approve or refuse each permit type within the specified time limits. If no response is received within these periods, the application is deemed approved (subject to conditions in Section 3.5.2).

Category I: Up to 2 Stories or 8m height, Up to 250 m2; Category II: Up to 5 Stories, Up to 1000 m2; Category III: Up to 10 stories or 33m height, Up to 7500 m2; Category IV: Any height, Any Size, All Occupancy Type

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: Building categories determine the level of professional qualification required for design and supervision. Category IV (any height, any size) requires the highest qualified professionals.

The owner shall obtain permit as may be applicable from other concerned agencies relating to building, zoning, grades, sewers, water mains, plumbing, fire safety, signs, elevators and other utility services.

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: Beyond the building construction permit, the owner must separately obtain permits from fire service, water supply, sewerage, and other utility agencies. This establishes the multi-agency approval framework.

All works relating to a building or structure regulated by the provisions of this Code for which permits are required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official.

Building360 interpretation — not legal advice: Permitted construction work is subject to mandatory inspection by the Building Official at various stages.