The Standing Committee on Ministry of Housing and Public Works has recommended legalising multistoried buildings that violate regulations in Dhaka, on condition that such a building must undergo proper scrutiny to determine the strength of its foundation.
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) can fine owners of such buildings, and then legalise those structures once the imposed penalty is paid.
This recommendation came in the 30th meeting of the committee, presided over by its Chairman Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, and held last Thursday. Members Monowar Hossain Chowdhury, Sayeda Johra Alauddin, and Farida Khanom were also there.
There are many unauthorised buildings under the jurisdiction of RAJUK, so the organisation has to think about alternatives ways to deal with this particular issue, insiders said.
From 2006-2016, a total of 95,000 new buildings were built in Dhaka. Out of this, only 4.6 per cent of these structures were built with RAJUK’s approval, according to the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) for 2022-35.
The agency then moved to legalise unauthorised buildings, and on January 31 this year formed a committee to formulate rules under the DAP. According to the plan, the penalty will depend on the level of rule violations during construction.
If the unauthorised part of a building does not cause danger to the building, neighboring buildings and the environment, the structure or a part of it can be legalised by paying a fine. If there is any risk, the building would have to undergo structural changes.
Speaking to The Business Post, standing committee member and Gaibandha-4 constituency lawmaker Md Monowar Hossain Chowdhury said, “We have discussed in detail about legalising buildings that violate regulations.
“Everyone in the meeting agreed that a decision must be taken in this regard quickly.”
At Thursday’s meeting, the participants also discussed progress and future planning of ongoing projects under the housing and public works ministry, and overall activities of the Directorate of Government Accommodation.
They urged authorities concerned to ensure speedy implementation of the ongoing projects.
The committee also directed the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority to complete ongoing constructions following all regulations, and ensure facilities such as available space around buildings, parking spaces and STPs.
It recommended that the Chattogram Development Authority, Chattogram City Corporation, and Water Development Board coordinate to protect canals, in a bid to tackle the waterlogging issue faced by the port city.
Senior officials from the housing and public works ministry, and organisations working under this ministry attended the meeting.
