Staff Correspondent :
In a significant move to enforce urban planning regulations, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) carried out an operation against unauthorized buildings in Purbo Nandipara, Khilgaon, Dhaka, on Thursday. The drive, led by Executive Magistrate Liton Sarkar, targeted four buildings that had violated approved construction plans.
The Violation: Ignoring Approved Plans :
According to RAJUK officials, the approved blueprint for a 10-story building required a 20-foot-wide road on both the front and side. However, while the owners widened the front road, they neglected the side, blocking public movement. Additionally, illegal structures had been built on land designated for road expansion, which were removed during the operation.
As part of the enforcement, authorities demolished unauthorized portions of one under-construction 10-story building and disconnected electricity to three others. The building owners admitted their violations and pledged to remove the illegal extensions voluntarily. They submitted written commitments on BDT 300 non-judicial stamps to the magistrate.
Background: A Recurring Issue in Dhaka’s Construction Sector :
Illegal construction has long been a major concern in Dhaka, a city grappling with rapid urbanization and unplanned growth. RAJUK, the capital’s development authority, has been conducting periodic drives to curb violations.
In November 2023, RAJUK demolished several unauthorized structures in Uttara and Mirpur for encroaching on public spaces.
In May 2022, an illegal market built on a designated park in Mohammadpur was cleared, following public complaints.
In 2021, the Bangladesh Fire Service warned that many high-rise buildings in Dhaka lacked fire safety measures due to unauthorized modifications.
Despite these efforts, enforcement remains a challenge, with many developers bypassing regulations through political influence or legal loopholes.
A Step Towards a Safer, Well-Planned City :
Thursday’s crackdown was attended by several high-ranking RAJUK officials, including Authorized Officer-6/1 Abdullah Al Mamun, Assistant Authorized Officer Sabbirul Islam, Chief Building Inspectors Md. Bellal Hossain and Selim Bakaul, and Building Inspectors Zillur Rahman, Firoz Alam, Md. Nazim Uddin, Md. Aminul Islam (Piyal), and Subrata Karmakar.
RAJUK has emphasized that similar operations will continue to ensure compliance with urban planning laws. The agency urged citizens and developers to adhere to approved building plans, warning that future violations would face stricter penalties.
For Dhaka’s residents, such actions represent a crucial step towards a safer, better-planned, and more livable city. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on sustained enforcement and stricter monitoring of new constructions.
