Rajuk launches drive to identify bldg code violators

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) launched on Monday a drive to identify multi-storey buildings built in violation of rules and regulations.

Twenty-four teams of the city development authority started collecting data on the violation of rules in the buildings higher than 10-storey from various parts of the city.

The inspection drive came in the wake of the Banani building fire that broke out on March 28 last, killing 26 people and injuring many others.

The teams were seen scrutinising details about the high-rise buildings in accordance with the approved structural design by Rajuk.

During visit to some of such buildings at Road-18 in Banani, Rajuk Chairman Md Abdur Rahman said the tragic fire incident at FR Tower has opened up their eyes 'to get corrected of errors' committed either by regulator or owners.

"Rajuk will get corrected if it makes any mistake. Building owners will have to do the same thing. I think that time has come for Rajuk to correct its mistakes," he added.

Responding to the allegation that building owners often influence Rajuk inspectors in exchange of money, the Rajuk chairman said it is not possible now.

"It happened in few cases which is insignificant. The way we're working and instructing the owners to follow rules and regulations, it is not possible for any unethical practice even for Rajuk officials," he said.

Expressing optimism, Mr Rahman said they will finish collecting such information within next 15 days and their 24 teams have been working to that end.

"We'll do study after collection of information and after that we'll take necessary actions in accordance with the government's decision," he added.

Seeking anonymity, a Rajuk official who was involved with the ongoing drive told the FE that most of the buildings they visited were found non-compliant as far as structural safety and parking facility are concerned and it could cause another disaster.

Giving an example of the readymade garment (RMG) sector that was completely renovated after industrial disasters like Rana Plaza collapse and Tazreen Fashions fire, he said the government should apply the same approach to this effect.

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