Expert body to decide fate of 1,818 high-rises: minister

Housing and public works minister SM Rezaul Karim on Friday said that an expert committee would be formed soon to decide the fate of 1,818 high-rise buildings that violated fire safety rules when constructed.
The buildings, having 10 storeys or more, were so far detected by the 24 teams deployed by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha for the purpose after the FR Tower fire at Banani in the city on March 28, which killed 27 people. 
The minister made the announcement at a ‘meet the press’ programme organised by the Dhaka Reporters Unity at its Sagar-Runi Auditorium.
He disclosed that the Rajuk also ordered actions against the 62 officials found involved in the irregularities in FR Tower construction.
He declared that all the buildings in the capital would be gradually inspected to ensure safety for city people.
‘All the risky buildings will be demolished,’ he said.
The minister urged the reporters to report on any irregularities so that he could take action against the corrupt officials.
‘At least 12 probe committees have been formed so far based on media reports,’ he said.
DRU president Elias Hossain chaired the event while its general secretary Kabir Ahmed Khan moderated the event.
The minister said that the Rajuk was working to identify a safe process for demolishing the illegal building of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association at Hatirjheel.
He said that a technical committee was examining the proposals placed by the firms that took part in the tender process for dismantling the building.
To a query he said that he would not allow demolition of any heritage building in Old Dhaka.
He also said that the Rajuk was working on a redevelopment plan to make Old Dhaka habitable.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net