Housing Minister Warns Against Deviating from Approved Building Designs, Vows Strict Legal Action

The government has taken a strict stance against the construction of buildings deviating from approved designs to address the risks of unplanned urbanization and ensure public safety. Recently, the Minister for Housing and Public Works categorically stated in a policy meeting that no further construction outside approved blueprints would be tolerated. This directive is being viewed as a significant warning to the housing sector across Dhaka and other divisional and district cities. Experts believe this decision is crucial to mitigating fire hazards and potential damage from natural disasters like earthquakes caused by unplanned urban growth.

Over the past few decades, there has been a surge in design forgery and the construction of non-compliant high-rise buildings in Dhaka and other major cities. In many cases, developers obtained approval for one design from RAJUK or local authorities but constructed entirely different and hazardous structures in reality. Urban planners blame corruption and negligence within a section of the regulatory bodies for these widespread irregularities in the housing sector. Statistics indicate that more than half of the high-rises in Dhaka violate approved designs in some manner, posing a severe threat to public life.

To implement this directive, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) has already initiated measures to ensure the accountability of its field inspectors. The ministry has warned that departmental action will be taken against any official found negligent or complicit in design violations. Concurrently, citizens have been urged to strictly follow approved designs before starting construction, and preparations are underway for special drives to identify and demolish unauthorized structures. Real estate developers and business associations have welcomed the government's firm stance, promising to conduct their businesses in compliance with the regulations.

While we applaud the government's firm stance, its successful implementation hinges on institutional integrity and sustained enforcement drives. Similar announcements were made in the past, but corruption often hindered progress, leaving citizens skeptical. Therefore, beyond verbal warnings, internal reforms and accountability within RAJUK must be guaranteed. To build a safe and livable city, there is no alternative to the impartial application of the law, free from the influence of powerful quarters.