JU authorities have not obtained any approval for building construction, Rajuk, chairman, KAM Haroon told Star City yesterday.

"I have already instructed the officer concerned to stop any attempt by the JU authorities to construct buildings without an approved plan," Haroon said.

Haroon, who is member secretary to the Urban Development Committee, also said: "We will take up the matter at the committee meeting too."

The JU authorities have taken a stand to construct a 20-storey high-rise demolishing a 150-year heritage building under the establishment of Jagannath University Project.

But they have started to implement the project without obtaining plan approval plan from Rajuk.

Before a construction plan that involves a heritage site is approved, it is referred to the departments of archeology and architecture for opinion, said Rajuk officials, and approval of such a plan depends on the opinion of these departments.

Archeology Department Director, Md. Shafiqul Alam said: "Ethically, a historic monument with architectural and archeological significance should not be demolished, even if not enlisted as a protected heritage site."

"I will send a regional director to the site immediately, to examine the building inform if we could enlist it as a protected heritage building considering its historical and architectural value," Alam said told Star city yesterday.

Chief architect of the Department of Architecture, ASM Ismail said: "If any plan is referred to us for opinion, we will definitely conserve the heritage site while considering the plan."