<p>This research paper presents a scientific analysis of the land use and land cover changes in Old Dhaka over a 20-year period from 2003 to 2023. Data have been collected from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for utilizing Landsat satellite imagery by using Remote sensing (RS) and GIS techniques. Despite numerous studies on urban expansion in Dhaka, limited research has focused specifically on the historic core of Old Dhaka, which is uniquely constrained by heritage structures, high population density, and informal land use practices. The research aims to fill this gap by systematically analyzing spatial and temporal LULC dynamics to understand how urban growth has impacted green spaces, bare land, and water bodies within this context. The study reveals a dramatic expansion of built-up areas rising from 41.89% in 2003 to 63.16% in 2023 accompanied by a sharp decline in vegetation and water bodies. In 2003, 33.81% of the land was covered with vegetation; by 2023, that percentage had dropped to 12.63%. The water body’s proportion decreased to 0.95% in 2023 from 3.56% in 2003. These changes highlight urgent environmental challenges and underscore the need for integrated, heritage-sensitive urban planning. The objective of this research is to generate evidence-based insights that can inform sustainable urban management strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of Old Dhaka. This research highlights the need for sustainable urban planning and conservation efforts to safeguard the city’s green spaces and maintain ecological balance amid rapid urbanization trends.</p>