The Struggle of Rising House Rent in Dhaka
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a city full of life, opportunity, and ambition. Every day, people from all parts of the country move here to study, work, or start businesses. Yet, behind the city’s fast growth lies a serious problem that affects nearly everyone — the high and rising cost of house rent.
A Growing Burden
Finding an affordable place to live in Dhaka has become increasingly difficult. Rents have gone up in almost every area, from the busy streets of Mirpur to the elite neighborhoods of Gulshan and Banani. In upper-class areas, a three-bedroom apartment can cost more than Tk 100,000 per month, while in middle-income zones, such as Mohammadpur, Uttara, or Badda, rents for smaller flats range between Tk 20,000 and Tk 40,000. Even in the outer parts of the city, prices continue to rise steadily.
Why Are Rents Increasing?
There are many reasons behind this upward trend:
Overpopulation: Dhaka is one of the most crowded cities in the world. The demand for housing far exceeds supply.
Rising construction costs: Building materials, land prices, and labor expenses have all increased.
Lack of rent control: Although there are laws meant to regulate rent, enforcement is weak, giving landlords the freedom to raise prices.
Urban development: New metro routes, shopping malls, and business centers make some neighborhoods more desirable, leading to higher rents.
Impact on Daily Life
For many families, paying rent is their biggest monthly expense. Middle-class and low-income households often spend half of their income on housing alone. This leaves little money for other essentials like food, education, and healthcare. Many people are being pushed to the edges of the city, where rents are lower but transportation is time-consuming and costly. Students and young workers, in particular, find it hard to find safe and affordable living spaces.
Steps Toward a Solution
Experts believe that the housing crisis in Dhaka can be eased through better planning and policy enforcement:
Introduce and enforce rent control policies to prevent unreasonable rent hikes.
Develop affordable housing projects through government and private partnerships.
Encourage new towns and satellite cities to reduce pressure on Dhaka.
Improve transportation systems so people can live outside the city center and still travel easily.
Conclusion
Dhaka’s rising house rent is more than just an economic issue — it affects the quality of life for millions. If the government and city authorities do not take action soon, the dream of living comfortably in the capital will slip further out of reach for ordinary citizens. A fair and affordable housing system is essential for making Dhaka a truly livable city for all.