"With the commercialisation of these areas, the price of land will be Tk 12 lakh a katha, up from Tk 1,80,000 now," said a Rajuk source. "The height of a building will be limited to six storeys," he added.

According to the draft, the buildings, especially those facing roads, will be allowed commercialisation of up to six storeys.

The ministry says the government will give these residential areas a status between residential and commercial.

Many homeowners in Gulshan, Banani and Dhanmandi run business at home, violating Rajuk rules. Over the years, different types of business establish-mentsfrom a small shop to a supermarket have mushroomed in the areas.

"They were given the plots only for residences but built guesthouses, restaurants, shops and other businesses later. The same plot owners now request the public works ministry to prevent others from running business there," said an official at the ministry.

Residents fear the areas that already lost their residential character will put on a completely commercial look if the plan is implemented.

Rajuk Chairman Iqbal Uddin Chowdhury reasoned out that the city's commercial areas have run out of space to expand their businesses and the new areas, if commercialised, would ease the problem. The commercialisation of space will ensure a steady flow of revenues, he hoped.