Construction costs in Bangladesh vary enormously depending on where you build, what grade of materials you use, and which contractor you hire. Anyone who gives you a precise per-sqft figure without knowing these variables is guessing. What this guide does instead is give you realistic cost ranges for three build grades — economy, standard, and premium — based on current Dhaka material and labour rates, with a breakdown so you can see where the money goes.
Three Build Grades and What They Mean
The construction industry in Bangladesh informally categorises residential builds into three tiers. The difference between them is not just finishing quality — it also affects structural specifications, rod diameter, cement grade, and the level of supervision on site.
Approximate Cost Ranges per Square Foot — Dhaka, 2026
| Grade | Cost Range (per sqft) | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | ৳1,800 – ৳2,400 | Brick-concrete frame, basic plaster, no tiles, single sanitary fitting per bathroom |
| Standard | ৳2,500 – ৳3,500 | Proper RCC structure, ceramic tiles, branded sanitary ware, semi-modular kitchen |
| Premium | ৳3,600 – ৳5,500+ | High-spec concrete mix, marble or granite floors, imported fittings, full false ceiling, elevator provisions |
Note
These figures cover construction cost only — they do not include land cost, architect fees (typically 2–4% of construction cost), utility connections, or interior furniture and decoration.
Where the Money Goes: A Standard-Grade Breakdown
For a standard-grade build in Dhaka, here is approximately how costs are distributed across major work items as a percentage of total construction cost.
Standard-Grade Cost Distribution
| Work Item | Share of Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation (raft/pile) | 8 – 12% | Varies heavily with soil condition and storey count |
| RCC frame (columns, beams, slabs) | 25 – 30% | Largest single cost item; rod and cement dominate |
| Masonry (brick walls) | 10 – 12% | 6-inch and 10-inch walls |
| Plaster and pointing | 6 – 8% | Internal and external |
| Flooring (tiles) | 8 – 10% | Ceramic and vitrified tiles at standard spec |
| Doors and windows | 6 – 8% | Aluminium frames with standard glass |
| Plumbing and sanitary | 5 – 7% | CP fittings, branded commodes |
| Electrical wiring | 4 – 6% | PVC conduit wiring, branded circuit breakers |
| Painting | 4 – 5% | Two coats wall putty, two coats emulsion |
| Miscellaneous and contingency | 5 – 8% | Always keep this — costs overrun on almost every site |
Key Material Prices — Dhaka, Mid-2026
Material prices fluctuate with supply and season. The figures below are approximate current retail rates that most contractors reference for budgeting. Actual procurement prices depend on quantity and supplier relationship.
Common Construction Material Rates (Approximate)
| Material | Unit | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cement (Holcim, Crown, Shah) | 50 kg bag | ৳480 – ৳520 |
| MS rod (8mm) | kg | ৳82 – ৳88 |
| MS rod (12mm) | kg | ৳80 – ৳86 |
| Brick (first class, Dhaka) | per 1,000 | ৳8,500 – ৳10,000 |
| Sand (Sylhet grade) | CFT | ৳45 – ৳55 |
| Stone chips (20mm) | CFT | ৳75 – ৳90 |
| Ceramic floor tile (30×60) | sqft | ৳60 – ৳120 |
What a 1,200 sqft Apartment Actually Costs to Build
A 1,200 sqft flat in Dhaka at standard grade runs approximately ৳30–42 lakh in construction cost alone, using the ৳2,500–3,500 per sqft range. That figure assumes a multi-storey building where foundation and structural costs are shared across floors. If you are building a standalone house with its own foundation, the per-sqft cost will be higher — typically 15–20% more — because foundation costs are not shared.
Three Things That Affect Your Cost More Than Anything Else
- 1Soil condition and foundation type. Soft or waterlogged land requires pile foundations, which add ৳300–600 per sqft to the total cost before you have even laid a single brick.
- 2Rod and cement specification. The difference between using 40-grade and 60-grade rod, or 43-grade and 53-grade cement, changes the RCC frame cost significantly — but also changes structural safety. Never cut here.
- 3Supervision and contractor quality. The same materials, managed poorly, produce a building that needs repairs within five years. A good engineer on site from foundation to finish is not an overhead — it is the best money you can spend.
Tip
Get at least three separate bills of quantities (BOQ) from different contractors and compare them line by line, not just as a total figure. A low total often hides missing items that you will pay for separately later.