This project delivers a comprehensive and impactful geospatial analysis of urban development in Shariatpur District, Bangladesh, over a six-year period (2017–2023), capturing the transformative effects of major infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge on regional urbanization. Utilizing advanced GIS techniques, including multi-criteria evaluation and thematic mapping of land use, soil, slope, and proximity to infrastructure, the study identifies and classifies land suitability for urban expansion. The analysis reveals a 28% increase in urban areas, with 25% of growth occurring on suitable land—indicating some alignment with planning frameworks—while 3% took place on unsuitable terrain, raising concerns about unregulated sprawl and zoning enforcement. The study also documents a noticeable reduction in waterbodies, reflecting the ecological cost of unchecked development. By contrasting planned and unplanned growth patterns, the project underscores the urgent need for evidence-based, sustainable urban planning strategies that balance development with environmental and social considerations.