????️ House Rent in Dhaka: A Rising Burden for City Dwellers
By [Your Name]
Introduction
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Asia. Every day, thousands of people come here in search of jobs, education, and better living standards. But finding a place to live has become one of the toughest challenges for residents. The increasing house rent in Dhaka has turned into a major concern for both middle- and low-income people.
Current Situation
In 2025, the rental market in Dhaka is under heavy pressure. The cost of living has gone up sharply, and rent is consuming a large portion of people’s monthly income.
Here is a brief overview of the average rents in different parts of the city:
| Area | Average Monthly Rent (৳) | Apartment Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gulshan / Banani | 100,000 – 250,000 | Luxury apartment |
| Dhanmondi / Bashundhara | 50,000 – 90,000 | 2–3 bedrooms |
| Mirpur / Mohammadpur | 20,000 – 40,000 | 2 bedrooms |
| Khilgaon / Rampura / Jatrabari | 10,000 – 18,000 | Small flat |
| Slum areas (Korail, Rayerbazar) | 3,000 – 8,000 | Shared rooms |
For an average family, rent takes up 40–60% of total income, which leaves very little for food, education, and other essentials. Many families are now forced to move to the outskirts of the city in search of cheaper accommodation.
Reasons Behind Rising Rent
Several factors are responsible for the continuous increase in house rent in Dhaka:
Rapid Population Growth – Dhaka attracts nearly half a million new residents each year. The high demand for housing pushes rent upward.
Limited Land and High Construction Cost – Land prices in central Dhaka are extremely high, and building materials have become costlier, which affects rent.
Lack of Rent Control – Although the Premises Rent Control Act (1991) exists, it is rarely enforced. Landlords often raise rents without restriction.
Centralized Development – Most jobs, offices, and institutions are located in the central parts of Dhaka. As a result, people crowd these areas, increasing housing demand.
Inflation and Utility Bills – The prices of electricity, gas, and water continue to rise, and landlords use this as a reason to increase rent every year.
Impact on People
The rise in house rent has affected the lives of ordinary citizens in many ways:
Middle-Class Families: They struggle to balance rent, food, and school fees. Frequent rent hikes often force them to relocate.
Low-Income Workers: Garment workers, drivers, and day laborers live in small, overcrowded rooms under poor conditions.
Students and Job Seekers: They face difficulty finding affordable housing near universities or workplaces.
Psychological Stress: The constant fear of eviction and the search for cheaper flats cause stress and instability in families.
Social and Economic Effects
The rent crisis also has wider effects on Dhaka’s society and economy:
Increased Inequality: The gap between rich and poor neighborhoods is widening.
Traffic and Pollution: People move to the city’s outskirts for lower rent, increasing traffic congestion.
Health Hazards: Overcrowded and poorly maintained buildings raise health and fire safety risks.
Reduced Savings: When most income goes to rent, people cannot save money or invest in education or small businesses.
Government Efforts
The government has recognized the issue, but progress has been slow.
Projects like Purbachal New Town, Jhilmil Housing, and Uttara 3rd Phase were launched to reduce pressure on central Dhaka. However, these projects mostly target high-income buyers rather than renters.
The National Housing Policy (2016) and Dhaka Structure Plan (2016–2035) propose decentralization and affordable housing, but poor implementation and corruption have limited their impact.
Possible Solutions
To control rent and ensure fair housing, experts suggest several measures:
Implement Rent Control Laws: Establish a legal authority to monitor and regulate rent increases.
Encourage Affordable Housing: Offer tax incentives and low-interest loans to developers who build for middle- and low-income groups.
Decentralize Urban Growth: Move offices, universities, and industries to nearby cities like Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Savar.
Expand Public Transport: Better connectivity will make it easier for people to live in suburban areas.
Promote Cooperative Housing: Communities can build and share housing resources collectively.
Raise Awareness: Tenants should know their rights and use written agreements to avoid exploitation.
Learning from Other Countries
Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam have faced similar challenges.
Singapore built large-scale public housing for citizens.
Malaysia made it mandatory for developers to include affordable units.
Vietnam provides rent subsidies to factory workers.
Bangladesh can learn from these examples and adapt suitable models to its local context.
Conclusion
House rent in Dhaka is not just an economic issue; it’s a social challenge that affects millions of lives. Rising rent reduces savings, disrupts families, and deepens inequality.
To make Dhaka a truly livable city, the government must take strong and practical steps to regulate rent, support affordable housing, and decentralize development.
Every citizen deserves a safe and affordable place to live. A fair housing system will not only reduce urban stress but also build a stronger, more balanced, and humane Dhaka.