Rajuk to conduct survey on markets, eateries in Dhaka basements

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has decided to conduct a survey on markets and restaurants in basements of buildings in the capital.

The survey will be completed within seven working days, Tonmoy Das, member (development and administration) of Rajuk, told reporters while visiting the site in Gulistan where a blast on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people.

"Markets and restaurants must have permission first, and second, there must be a ventilation system in the basement if there is any market or restaurant. We will start the survey soon and issue relevant notices to building owners," he said.

The survey will be conducted in 24 sub-zones of the eight zones, the Rajuk official said.

A Rajuk committee inspected the building last night and found nine columns out of 24 damaged.

The committee will decide the fate of the building, he said.