RAJUK orders evacuation as city building tilts

City development authority RAJUK ordered evacuation of a five-storey building in Dhaka's Lalbagh, which runs the risk of collapse as it tilted on Sunday, reports bdnews24.com.

Officer-in-charge (OC) of Lalbagh Police Station Subhash Kumar Pal said the building on Jagannath Saha Road has shifted and is leaning towards a neighbouring structure.

He said at least 45 people were living in ten flats of the building.

A fire service unit was dispatched to the scene around 2:30pm after the possible collapse was reported, Fire Service Control Room duty officer Ziaur Rahman said.

Soon after, the police and RAJUK officials rushed to the scene.

RAJUK Zonal Authorised Officer Ashish Kumar Saha said the building appeared to have 'tilted a bit'.

"It's clear that two buildings came into contact with each other," he told the news agency adding that further details cannot be provided without further tests.

The building's residents are being evacuated to avert any untoward incident, Saha said. "We will seal off the building and a decision will come after further tests."

"RAJUK's order came as a precaution. They can move in again upon the city authorities' green light," said OC Pal.