Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, Nov 27, 2025 (BSS) - The government has published a gazette notification of an ordinance to establish the Rangpur Development Authority (RpDA) to protect the balance of the environment and ecosystems along with planned urbanization. 
 
This decision of the government was announced by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs through the gazette notification of the ordinance published on Wednesday night. 
 
Publication of the RpDA gazette notification of the ordinance has fulfilled a long-cherished demand of the local citizens by creating a real hope of planned urbanisation in Rangpur city.
 
Earlier, the 'Rangpur Development Authority' was given in-principle approval to form the organization on June 8, 2014, at the Cabinet Committee meeting at the Secretariat in the capital city. 
 
The gazette notification states that it is an ordinance made for the purpose of establishing an authority to maintain the balance of the geo-natural environment and ecosystem of the region, prevent unplanned urbanization, ensure disaster-tolerant urban management, develop the information technology and tourism industries, and ensure a better citizen life in the interest of establishing a planned modern city comprising Rangpur and its adjacent areas. 
 
Talking to BSS today, local people from different classes and professions said that as a result of a long-standing movement, the gazette notification of the ordinance of Rangpur Development Authority has been published, fulfilling their long-standing demands.
 
"The people of Rangpur are waiting for a planned city through the rapid implementation of the Rangpur Development Authority," said Md Rafiul Islam, an official of a local private sector university.
 
Rafiul Islam, who completed his master's degree from the Department of Disaster Management at Begum Rokeya University, said that the current Rangpur has become a city of unplanned urbanization. 
 
The way multi-storey buildings are being built in the city without any regard for any rules, regulations and Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020, which is the set of minimum standards for design, construction, and maintenance of buildings. 
 
"The BBNC was established to ensure safety, health, and public welfare by regulating aspects like materials, structural design, fire protection, and building services. The code has been updated periodically," he said. 
 
College-student Mohaimenul Islam said, "Starting from the main and important roads, other roads and sidewalks are now occupied at many places of the city. 
 
"However, it is very good that the gazette notification of the ordinance of the Rangpur Development Authority has been published and it will be implemented rapidly to make Rangpur a safe, clean, planned, green, resilient and neat city," he said. 
 
Similarly, several local residents expressed hope that the Rangpur Development Authority will begin its work soon.