HC seeks list of Dhaka’s vulnerable buildings by Nov 22

The High Court today directed the authorities concerned of the government to identify the vulnerable buildings in Dhaka city and submit a list of those before this court by November 22.

The authorities concerned of Rajdhani UnnayanKartripakkha (Rajuk), housing and public works ministry and Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence have been asked to implement the HC directive.

In response to a writ petition, the HC also issued a rule asking the authorities to explain why they should not be directed to provide safety measures to the vulnerable buildings.

The HC bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal came up with the order following a writ petition filed by Swadesh, a rights organization, seeking necessary order.

In the rule issued today, the court asked the authorities concerned to show causes why they should not be ordered to demolish the six-story building of Gulshan Shopping Centre after disconnecting its electricity and gas supply, as the structure has been declared as unfit for use.

Earlier this year, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence has declared the building of Gulshan Shopping Centre as “unfit for use” as per the Fire Prevention Act, 2003.

But, the owner of the building is still now using the vulnerable building where around 4,000 people are working, Petitioner’s lawyer Barrister Rashna Imam said, adding that a serious disaster may take place if the building is not demolished.

The lawyer also said the writ petition sought a directive from the HC on the authorities concerned government to identify the vulnerable buildings in Dhaka city and to submit a list of them before this court so that safety measures are taken for them.

Barrister Rashna and Advocate Zubaida Gulshan Ara appeared for the writ petitioner, while Deputy Attorney General Ekramul Haque Tutul represented the government.