New Secretariat Planned in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at a Cost of Tk 3,409 Crore

Foundation stone targeted for December, project completion aimed for 2029

The government has intensified efforts to relocate the existing Secretariat from Abdul Gani Road in the capital to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. A project proposal worth approximately Tk 3,409 crore has been prepared for the initiative. Under the plan, a new Secretariat complex will be constructed on the former International Trade Fair grounds in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. There is also a proposal to relocate the lower courts of Old Dhaka to the current Secretariat premises.

According to the government's plan, the foundation stone is expected to be laid in December, subject to the completion of the necessary procedures. However, as the project has yet to receive administrative approval, uncertainty remains over whether construction can begin within the proposed timeframe.

Project Moves Forward Under Prime Minister's Direction

Preparatory activities for relocating the Secretariat are progressing following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The proposed design of the new Secretariat complex has already been presented to the prime minister, who has provided several suggestions. Officials concerned said those recommendations are being considered as the project moves forward.

Mohammad Khalequzzaman Chowdhury, chief engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), said the prime minister had issued instructions regarding the relocation of the Secretariat.

He added that work was being accelerated in line with those instructions. The prime minister had also reviewed the proposed design and offered several suggestions, which are being taken into account during the project's development.

Proposed Project Cost Exceeds Tk 3,409 Crore

According to relevant sources, the proposed cost of the Secretariat relocation project has been set at Tk 3,409 crore, 44 lakh and 29 thousand. The proposed implementation period runs from November 2026 to December 2029.

The Public Works Department has already prepared a layout identifying the proposed locations of the buildings. Work on the Development Project Proposal (DPP) has also begun.

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works has taken steps to include the project in the list of new, unapproved projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the 2026–27 fiscal year. The necessary information has been submitted to the ministry by the Public Works Department.

Awaiting ECNEC Approval

Officials concerned said the project is planned to be placed before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval. Formal steps to begin construction will be taken once the necessary approval is secured.

The government aims to lay the foundation stone by December this year. Preparations are reportedly being made with the expectation that the prime minister himself will attend the inauguration ceremony.

However, officials have expressed some uncertainty over whether project approval, administrative formalities and other preparations can be completed within the proposed timeframe.

Three Alternative Designs Presented

Officials from the Department of Architecture said three alternative designs for the new Secretariat complex had been presented to the prime minister. Following final approval, the Public Works Department is expected to oversee the construction work.

Under the proposed plan, several ministries could be relocated to the new complex within the first three years. However, completing the entire complex may take four to five years.

Plan to Relocate Lower Courts to Existing Secretariat Premises

Alongside the construction of the new Secretariat, the government is also planning a broader reorganisation of administrative and judicial facilities in the capital.

As part of this initiative, the lower courts currently operating in Old Dhaka are proposed to be relocated to the existing Secretariat premises on Abdul Gani Road.

However, detailed implementation plans, the relocation schedule and the necessary infrastructure arrangements are yet to be finalised.

The proposed construction and relocation of the Secretariat could bring significant changes to the capital's administrative infrastructure. The implementation of the planned December commencement will largely depend on how quickly the project secures approval and completes the remaining design, financing and administrative procedures.