Implement city building code immediately

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon forms a human chain in the city yesterday demanding immediate implementation of the new building code. PHOTO: STAR

Addressing the rally, speakers said the government introduced the City Building Code in a bid to protect 'habitation environment' of the capital but some unscrupulous and corrupt people are trying to delay the process of implementation.

They said if the building code is implemented, it would ensure accountability of Rajuk, the city development authority.

Speakers hoped that the building code would bring discipline and accountability in the building construction sector.

Vice President of Bapa Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed said Dhaka has now become a slum full of brick-built buildings.

He said Dhaka City Building Code was formulated after three years of efforts by different professional organisations, specialists and civil society members.

"We have noticed that a vested quarter has been trying to delay the process of implementation through giving wrong interpretation," he said adding that mass campaign is needed for the enforcement of the code, which was included in the gadget on April 16.

Presided over by Prof Sayeed, the rally was also addressed by Bapa General Secretary Mohidul Haque Khan, VP ASM Shahjahan, President of Bangladesh Architect Institute Khadem Ali, Treasurer of Rehab Akil Aktar Chowdhury, General Secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners Dr Golam Mortuza and Bela representative Advocate Shakil Ahmed.

Bela, Green Voice, Coalition for the Urban Poor, Sheba, Nagarik Uddog, Cats Bangladesh, Sundar Jibon, Sylhet Division Development Movement Council and other pro-environmental organisations' representatives joined the human chain to express their solidarity.