Staff Reporter, Dhaka

The Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) has ordered the immediate suspension of construction work on an unauthorized three-storey building in the capital's Mirpur area after the owner failed to present approved structural designs and construction permits.

Although RAJUK instructed the owner to submit the required documentation within seven days, official sources confirmed that no documents have been provided despite the deadline having lapsed.

The directive was issued in a notice signed on September 20, 2026, by F. R. Ashik Ahmed, Authorized Officer for Zone-3/1 under RAJUK Zone-3 (Mohakhali Zonal Office) (Memo No: 25.06.0000.000.098.32.0247.26.519).

Site inspection reveals no approved design

According to the official notice, the structure—owned by an individual identified as Mujahid—is located at House 20, Road 07, Block C, Section 12, Mirpur, within the Dhaka Master Plan area. During a physical site inspection, the owner failed to produce RAJUK-approved layout plans or valid building permits.

The notice emphasized that obtaining prior layout approval is mandatory under Section 3 of the Building Construction Act, 1952. Furthermore, Section 10(2) obligates property owners to present approved blueprints to authorized personnel during site visits. RAJUK noted that the owner had proceeded with construction without prior authorization or notification.

Consequently, RAJUK directed the owner to submit all necessary documentation within seven days while ordering a complete halt to ongoing construction until further notice. RAJUK warned that non-compliance would attract strict legal penalties under the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules, 2025, and the Building Construction Act, 1952 (as amended).

Utility disconnections requested; police assistance sought

Considering the matter urgent, copies of the notice were forwarded to relevant officials at Titas Gas, Dhaka WASA, and the Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO), requesting them to withhold or disconnect utility connections to the site.

Additionally, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Pallabi Police Station was requested to assist in halting all construction and reconstruction activities on the plot.

Commenting on the directive, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mizanur Rahman of Pallabi Police Station stated, "We have received the letter from RAJUK and advised the property owner to suspend all work. Further executive enforcement falls under RAJUK's purview. However, if RAJUK conducts a mobile court drive to demolish the illegal structure, we will provide full law enforcement support."

Mobile court action looming

Addressing the lack of compliance, RAJUK Building Inspector (Zone-3/1) Md. Aktaruzzaman Fayez remarked, "The owner has neither replied to the notice nor submitted any approval documents. Further notices will be issued, and if they fail to comply, the building will be demolished via mobile court."

RAJUK Authorized Officer F. R. Ashik Ahmed added, "We issued a primary notice and will issue a follow-up if required. If they still fail to produce the approved documents, strict enforcement through a mobile court will be conducted next month."

Journalist threatened upon inquiry

When contacted for a response, the building owner disconnected the call upon learning the reporter's identity and subsequently refused to answer further calls.

Later, an individual named Mintu, claiming to be a BNP leader and a relative of the owner, contacted the reporter and issued threats. "What business do journalists have here?" Mintu claimed over the phone. "We have managed the City Corporation, we have managed the Pallabi Police, and we will manage RAJUK as well."

Growing urban safety concerns

The incident underscores ongoing concerns over Dhaka's dense urban footprint, narrow roads, and unapproved construction practices, which significantly elevate structural risks during earthquakes. Experts stress that strict adherence to building codes, structural audits, and valid design approvals are essential to prevent disaster risks in the capital.

Stakeholders and urban planners have raised questions over whether administrative notices alone will suffice, urging RAJUK to follow through with physical enforcement and structural safety assessments rather than relying solely on bureaucratic correspondence.