The Cabinet has given its policy and final approval to the draft of the ‘Bogura Development Authority Act, 2026’ to develop Bogura and its adjacent areas as a planned, modern urban region.

The approval was granted at the 14th Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, July 23, based on a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. However, the law will be finalized subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

Under the proposed law, a statutory body titled ‘Bogura Development Authority’ will be formed for Bogura City Corporation and its surrounding areas, comprising a chairman, full-time members, and representatives from various government agencies.

According to the law, the authority will formulate phased planning frameworks-including a master plan, development projects, and local plans-following statutory processes such as public hearings and pre-publication notices. No construction work or development project can be undertaken without obtaining clearance from the authority.

In addition to imposing strict environmental restrictions to protect rivers, water bodies, playgrounds, and open spaces, the law introduces modern land management systems such as land readjustment and land redevelopment. Consent from at least 60 percent of landowners will be required for land readjustment.

The law includes provisions for imprisonment and fines for offenses such as unauthorized construction and filling up water bodies. It also includes measures for creating the authority’s own fund, setting development fees, taking loans, and conducting audits.

According to the government, the implementation of this law will help preserve the natural environment and ecological balance of the Bogura region, prevent unplanned urbanization, ensure disaster-resilient urban management, promote information technology and tourism, and improve living standards for citizens.