Bangladesh approves new Secretariat plan with 2029 opening target

Bangladesh’s Cabinet approved in principle a proposal Sunday to build a new Secretariat in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, targeting the start of government office operations there by 2029.

The Business Standard reported that the proposed complex would occupy about 31.58 acres of former trade fair grounds and contain 14 buildings, each with 12 stories and three basement levels.

Cabinet secretary Nasimul Gani said the main design concept had been approved, but electrical, plumbing, architectural, and structural engineering designs remained incomplete. The government would finance the project, although its total cost had not been determined.

Officials said 16 ministries currently operate outside the main Secretariat. The proposed complex would provide about 3.316 million square feet of office space. No final decision has been made on future uses for the existing Abdul Gani Road complex.