Updated building code recommends formation of regulatory body

The updated Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) recommends setting up an authority, Bangladesh Building Regulatory Authority (BBRA), to bring all agencies that accord approvals for the construction of new structures under a single umbrella, aiming to enforce the building code effectively. ‘The BBRA shall be the organisation responsible for establishing regulatory framework for building design and construction with efficient and effective compliance mechanism,’ former chief architect of Department of Architecture ASM Ismail told a seminar on Thursday. Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI), with support from NARRI (National Alliance for Risk Reduction and Response Initiatives) Consortium, organised the seminar, titled ‘Sharing of Updated Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2014’ held at Hotel Ruposhi Bangla. Presenting his power-point presentation on the updated BNBC, he said the regulatory authority will develop a procedure for ensuring the high degree of regulatory compliance in planning and building code requirement, according to a news agency.