In a decisive move, the interim government has initiated plans to reserve 71 bungalows and apartments in Dhaka exclusively for ministers, reinstating the traditional purpose of the capital’s so-called Ministers’ Enclave. Historically located along Bailey Road, Minto Road, Hair Road, and Gulshan, these residences were constructed for ministerial use. Over time, however, the enclave has been occupied by election commissioners, anti-corruption officials, judges, and other high-ranking officeholders.
The Department of Government Housing, under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, has now identified 71 properties to be officially earmarked for ministers. Officials explained that while constitutional officeholders often receive dedicated housing, many currently reside in the Ministers’ Enclave, undermining the original allocation policy. To address this, the government formed a seven-member committee on 2 November, chaired by Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of the Department of Government Housing, to review and recommend properties for ministerial use.
The committee’s report incorporates 41 previously designated homes and adds 30 new properties, distributed across key areas as follows:
| Area | Previously Designated | Newly Added | Total Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey Road | 19 | 19 | 38 |
| Gulshan | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Dhanmondi | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Minto Road | 22 | 1 | 23 |
| Total | 41 | 30 | 71 |
Bailey Road is home to the three Ministers’ Apartment buildings, each containing ten flats, accommodating up to 30 ministers. Each flat measures approximately 5,500 square feet. Presently, these flats are occupied by advisers, judges, civil servants, and other prominent figures.
Officials stressed that the absence of an elected government has left many flats vacant, leading to temporary allocations outside the original policy. Following the 13th National Parliamentary elections, once a new cabinet is formed, housing arrangements could become complicated if ministers require residence in these properties. The earmarking initiative seeks to prevent such future conflicts and ensure that only ministers occupy these 71 homes.
The Ministry of Public Works explained that prior allocations were often based on administrative or temporary needs, creating ambiguity in housing policy and complicating security and management of the enclave. The committee has recommended that no one other than ministers reside in these properties going forward. Final decisions on the current occupants of these homes remain under consideration, with discussions ongoing across multiple administrative levels.