Heaven’s Light is Our Guide
Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology
Department of Civil Engineering
22 Series
Course Code : HUM 1201
Course Title : Bangladesh Studies
Assignment Topic : Regulatory Frameworks & Building Codes in Bangladesh
Submitted By, Submitted To,
Shanjida Aktar Nodi Shoaib Islam
Section : B Lecturer
Roll : 2200094 Department of Humanities,RUET
What is Regulatory Framework?
Regulatory frameworks are legal mechanisms that exist at national
and international levels. They can be mandatory and coercive
(national laws and regulations, contractual obligations) or
voluntary (integrity agreements, codes of conduct, arms control
agreements).
Regulatory Frameworks in Bangladesh
Regulatory frameworks in Bangladesh encompass a wide range of sectors, including finance, telecommunications,
environment, labour and more. These frameworks are essential for maintaining order, ensuring compliance, and promoting
economic growth within the country. Here are some area include :
Business and Corporate Law : Governed by the Companies Act 1994,which outlines the formation, regulation and
dissolution of companies. The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission regulates the security market.
Banking and Finance : The Bangladesh Bank oversees the financial sector, including commercial banks and microfinance
institute.
Labor and Employment : The Labor Act 2006 governs employment conditions, wages, and worker’s rights, while the
Bangladesh Labour Law and various regulations ensure fair practices and workplace safety.
Telecommunications and IT : Regulated by the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commision (BTRC) and the
Digital Security Act 2018, which covers cybersecurity and digital governance.
Health and Safety : Managed through the Directorate General of Health Services and various public health laws,
including regulations on pharmaceuticals and medical practices.
Environment : Environment,forest, and climate change is responsible for environmental regulation. Department of
Environment enforces laws related to pollution control, environmental impact assessments and the management of
natural sources.
Education Sector : Ministry of Education develops and implements education [Link] Curriculum and Textbook
Board(NCTB) develops and approves curricula and textbook.
Energy Sector : Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) regulates the energy sector, including electricity, gas,
and petroleum. It sets tariffs, issues licenses, and ensures that energy providers comply with legal standards and maintain
service quality.
Anti-Corruption : Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is an independent institution that investigates and prosecutes
corruption cases. It plays a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability in both the public and private
sectors.
Land and Real Estate : This sector oversees land management, registration, and dispute resolution. It regulates land
use, urban planning, and real estate development through various laws and policies.
Importance of Regulatory Framework
As the regulatory framework of any country has different sectors,it’s important is immense. Because it helps ensure that
business and organizations operate in a fair,transparent and ethical manner. It also aims to protect the interests of
consumers,investors and general public and promote healthy competition in the market.
In Bangladesh,a regulatory framework is particularly important for several reasons. It provides a structured environment for
business, which is crucial for attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Effective regulations can help foster
economic growth and stability. Regulatory frameworks help enforce environmental standards and manage natural
resources sustainably, which is vital given Bangladesh’s vulnarability to climate change and environment degradation. In a
rapidly growing economy, regulatory oversight is crucial to maintain the stability of financial institutions and prevent cries
that could have widespread economic [Link] can help enforce environmental standards and manage
natural resources sustainably, which is vital given Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change and environmental
degradation. Strong regulations promote good governance and reduce corruption by setting clear rules and accountability
[Link] safeguards consumers,employees, and the environment by setting standards that prevent harmful practices
and ensure safety.
Overall, an effective regulatory framework in Bangladesh supports sustainable development, economic stability, and social
well-being.
What is Building Code
Building codes are laws that set minimum requirements for how structural systems, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air
conditioning (HVAC), natural gas systems and other aspects of residential and commercial buildings should be designed and
constructed.
Building codes have a long history. The earliest known written building code is included in the Code of Hammurabi, which
dates from circa 1772 BC.
Building code is currently a buzzword in Bangladesh, especially recently when several high-rise buildings caught fire in
places like Old Dhaka and most recently in Banani-Gulshan, Bailey Road, where many people were injured and died.
The History of Building Codes in Bangladesh :
In a meeting of ECNEC on 14th December 1991, a decision was taken to appoint the consulting firm Design Development
Corporation or DDC for the purpose of formulating the Bangladesh Building Code. The consultancy started their journey
on 1st June. Finally, the 'Bangladesh Building Code 1993' was approved in the Ecnec meeting held on 28 December 1993.
Until then there was no law or authority to enforce the code. Much later in 2006, the Building Construction Act of 1952
was amended to add Article 18(a) to provide a legal basis for the 'Bangladesh Building Code' and in 2006 the Building
Code was updated. In 2009, work began to revise the previous rules. Though it was finalized after a long process, its
gazette notification was delayed for several years.
Finally, on February 11, 2021, the revised 'Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020' was published in gazette form.
This construction code is applicable not only in Dhaka, but in the whole country in the construction of buildings.
Among the major problems that the capital Dhaka is facing is the trend of non-compliance with building codes. Due to
this terrible trend, the entire Dhaka city is now in serious danger. Building codes are applied to make a building tolerable
to any hazard. However, the building code for Dhaka, though bitter, is not properly looked at by the watchdogs, including
Rajuk. As a result, the 14-storey building becomes 18-storey.
Reasons for Non-Compliance: Many people are unaware of the safety benefits that building code compliance can
provide. The other is, many people think that if the house is not accepted, the cost will be reduced. In addition, there is a
question of leaving the land if you follow the code, but if you don't follow the code, you can build a building on someone
else's land!
The result of not following the code: Fire accidents are not leaving the capital Dhaka. The fire at Churidhatta in old
Dhaka took the lives of 71 people. Without getting over that grief, the fire at the skyscraper Farooq Rupayan-FR Tower in
Banani, an elite area of the capital, again took the lives of 25 people, including a foreigner. Fear - not only FR Tower, at
least 11 thousand multi-storied buildings in Dhaka city are now at risk of fire.
Use of technology is essential: Fire alarm, smoke detector and temperature capture. These are used for early warning if,
unfortunately, a fire does break out.