Rajuk and new rules

The extension of the old rules for processing up to 31st August as advised by the Ministry of Housing & Settlement to help small plot owners is appreciated but they have not asked Rajuk to suspend the new rules! Why cannot Rajuk simultaneously give their approval under the new rules? This is desired by a number of land owners in Gulshan, Banani and other areas that were waiting for this realistic and eco-friendly approach to city development, and wish to build under the new rules.

If Rajuk states they do not have the manpower, I believe it is lame excuse. The parameters of the new rules can be easily programmed into computers and it will be easy for approval of proposed layouts (under new rules) against these programmed parameters. Rajuk may even ask for a refundable fee, which they can refund after physically inspecting the site and seeing that it matches the plan; which may take some time. They can engage a few architects to do this on their behalf. All these steps can speed up the process, and it should not take more then three or four weeks for initial approval.

Frankly, if there is a will, there is a way. What is happening now is unnecessary procrastination to get more underhand payments that has reportedly become a Rajuk norm. How long will this milking the cow of corruption go on? It is time the government takes a positive and firm stand and force Rajuk to immediately accept plans and pass them within four weeks under the new rules.

This will be a positive and worthwhile step to have better planned housing in Dhaka city, and we hope that the government will take prompt action and come down heavily on Rajuk to stop procrastination.