Prepare list of vulnerable buildings in Dhaka
The High Court has directed the government to identify the vulnerable buildings in Dhaka and submit a list of those before the court by November 22.
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), Ministry of Housing and Public Works, and Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence were asked to implement the directive.
In response to a writ petition, the court on Monday issued a rule asking the authorities to explain why they should not be directed to ensure safety of the vulnerable buildings.
The court also asked why they should not be ordered to demolish the six-story building of Gulshan Shopping Centre after disconnecting its electricity and gas supply lines, as the structure has been declared unfit for use.
The bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal came up with the order and rule following the writ petition filed by Swadesh, a rights organisation, seeking necessary orders.
Petitioner's lawyer Barrister Rashna Imam told The Daily Star that Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence declared the six-story Gulshan Shopping Centre “unfit for use” earlier this year as per the Fire Prevention Act, 2003.
But the owner is still using the building where around 4,000 people work, she said, adding that a serious disaster may take place if the building is not demolished.
Barrister Rashna and Advocate Zubaida Gulshan Ara appeared for the petitioner, while Deputy Attorney General Ekramul Haque Tutul represented the government.
Comments