Construction sector must be compliant: minister

The construction industry must be compliant with the guidelines set by the government and ensure environment friendly installations while developing building and roads, said the commerce minister yesterday.
“Our construction industry -- architects, planners and workers -- must attach due priority to the safety issue first and the most. While developing a road or a building, the construction method should be compliant with the regulations set by the government,” said Faruk Khan.
“In addition, the environmental issues have to be taken into account. We should take lessons from the recent experience of Japan's earthquake and tsunami which wrought havoc in that country as well as the region already,” Khan said.
“So we should be careful about natural disasters as well, because disasters like floods are recurrent phenomena for Bangladesh.”
The minister spoke at the launch of the third BACI Construction Exhibition 2011 organised by Bangladesh Association of Construction Industries (BACI) at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.
The minister stressed the need to ensure longevity of all construction projects, while architects and entrepreneurs also have to be careful about use of land to protect our farmlands.
Shafiqul Alam Bhuiyan, president of BACI, said the objective of the exposition is to create awareness among customers about the products and services offered by the construction industry.
He said the main challenge the construction industry is facing now is the environment issue, especially after so many buildings developed cracks or suffered demolition in the capital last year.
At present the size and turnover of the industry stands at around Tk 60,000 crore a year, while the sector contributes 9 percent to the GDP.
A total of 23 organisations are showcasing products and services at 33 stalls at the three-day exposition.
Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mill (KSRM) is the platinum sponsor of the fair, while Pioneer Insurance, Transtec Cables and Transtec Lighting are co-sponsoring the event.
The fair will remain open from 10am to 8pm everyday without any entry fee.
AK Azad, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also spoke.