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The Sylhet Development Authority (SYDA) will formally begin its operations on August 25, with a ceremony scheduled for noon that day.
Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khondkar Abdul Muktadir will attend the inauguration as the chief guest, while Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher will inaugurate the authority.
Expatriates’ Welfare and Foreign Employment and Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury and State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahmmed Sohel Manzur will attend as special guests.
The announcement was made by newly appointed SYDA Chairman Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi at a press conference held at the authority’s temporary office near Naiorpul in Sylhet city on Sunday (23 August).
The chairman said the authority has proposed bringing around 995 square kilometres of Sylhet city and surrounding areas under its jurisdiction. Its key goal is to develop Sylhet into a planned, integrated and modern tourism city.
The authority plans to coordinate with government agencies, professional organisations, civil society and other stakeholders to implement its development programmes.
Broad Development Mandate
Formed under the Sylhet Development Authority Act 2023, the authority has been given powers to oversee planned urbanisation, rational land use, housing, transport, environmental protection and other development activities within its jurisdiction.
Its responsibilities include approving and regulating building construction, developing new housing projects, addressing housing needs of low-income and slum-dwelling communities, improving civic amenities and expanding green spaces.
It can also undertake projects related to education, healthcare, transport, information technology, expressways, traffic management and the development of canals, drains and waterways.
Initial Plans
The authority’s immediate priorities include shifting to a permanent headquarters, selecting locations for two zonal offices, planting permanent greenery alongside roads and footpaths, and introducing a green-building certification system.
Plans also include constructing flats for low-income residents near Sylhet City Corporation areas, promoting planned urbanisation and proper land use, upgrading residential areas along the Sylhet-Ambarkhana road and developing residential areas near the existing railway line in Badaghat.
The authority is also considering new connecting roads, bypasses and flyovers to improve connectivity.
According to SYDA documents, Sylhet metropolitan area currently covers about 79.5 sq km. A proposal has been sent to the ministry to bring Sylhet Sadar, South Surma, Golapganj and Bishwanath upazilas, along with the metropolitan area, under the authority’s jurisdiction.
The proposed development area includes hills, wetlands, rivers and canals, with plans to preserve these natural features and maintain environmental balance.
SYDA has proposed creating 714 posts across 67 categories under its revenue budget. The proposal, including job requirements, pay scales and recruitment rules, has been sent to the Housing and Public Works Ministry.
The authority has already started administrative activities by recruiting permanent and outsourced staff. It also plans to seek land from the district administration for its permanent office while operating from a temporary headquarters.
SYDA said it is preparing a master plan alongside short-, medium- and long-term development strategies. It is also working to enlist engineers, architects, technical firms and real estate developers in accordance with relevant laws and building codes.
After operations begin, the authority plans to hold consultations with government agencies, professional bodies and civil society representatives, as well as seminars, symposiums and workshops involving architects and developers.
Chairman Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi said the authority aims to transform Sylhet into a livable, modern and world-class tourism city, while urging journalists to provide objective coverage and constructive recommendations.