House Rent Crisis in Dhaka: A Growing Urban Challenge
Dhaka, the heart of Bangladesh, is known for its energy, opportunities, and endless rush. Yet, amid the city’s growth and modernization, one issue continues to trouble almost every resident — the soaring cost of house rent. What was once manageable for many families has now become a daily struggle.
The Current Situation
House rent in Dhaka has reached record highs in recent years. In prime residential areas such as Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi, and Bashundhara, monthly rents can exceed Tk 100,000 for standard apartments. Even in moderately priced neighborhoods like Mirpur, Mohammadpur, and Uttara, tenants pay between Tk 20,000 and Tk 40,000 for small to medium-sized flats. The situation is even tougher for students, single workers, and lower-income families, who often live in shared or substandard housing to cut costs.
Key Causes of Rising Rent
Several factors have contributed to Dhaka’s ongoing rent crisis:
Rapid population growth: Dhaka attracts thousands of new residents every month, creating constant housing demand.
Limited urban space: With little available land, new housing projects are costly and competitive.
High construction expenses: Rising prices of building materials, land, and labor increase the overall cost of new homes.
Weak rent regulation: The absence of strict monitoring allows landlords to raise rents almost every year.
Urban development: Improved infrastructure, such as metro rail lines and shopping centers, pushes up rent in nearby areas.
How It Affects People
The impact of high rent goes far beyond housing. For many middle- and lower-income families, rent consumes over half of their monthly earnings, leaving little for food, healthcare, or education. Some are forced to relocate to the city’s outskirts, which increases daily travel time and expenses. The situation also affects mental well-being, as families face constant financial pressure.
Possible Solutions
Urban planners and economists suggest several approaches to reduce the housing crisis:
Implement strict rent control policies to stabilize prices.
Encourage affordable housing projects through government and private investment.
Develop new residential zones outside Dhaka to distribute the population more evenly.
Expand public transport systems, making it easier for people to live farther from the city center.
Conclusion
Dhaka’s rent problem reflects deeper urban challenges — rapid growth, limited planning, and social inequality. Without effective policies and long-term urban strategies, the cost of living will continue to rise, making the capital unaffordable for many. Solving the house rent crisis is not just an economic issue; it’s essential for ensuring a fair and sustainable future for Dhaka’s residents.