CA for separate authority for nationwide building approval

The government on Thursday approved the draft of the RAJUK Ordinance 2025, while Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus directed the authorities concerned to create a separate authority to oversee the approval of buildings and construction work nationwide.

The Council of Advisers gave approval to the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Ordinance 2025 at its meeting at the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) in Dhaka with the chief adviser in the chair.

"Honourable chief adviser directed the Ministry of Housing and Public Works to examine whether a separate authority can be created that will be responsible for approving buildings and constructions across the country," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon after the meeting.

The chief adviser proposed creating a separate body as the RAJUK is authorised to give permission only in areas within its jurisdiction.

During discussions on the RAJUK Ordinance, the press secretary said, Prof Yunus raised serious concerns over unsafe construction practices spreading across the country, including villages.

The chief adviser noted that many four- or five-storey buildings are being constructed, but the question is whether these buildings are being built following the Bangladesh National Building Code, even though the country faces earthquake and fire hazards.

The press secretary said the Council of Advisers emphasised ensuring compliance with the construction rules and fire safety measures while constructing any building.

About the new RAJUK ordinance, Shafiqul said it was essential because the existing RAJUK law cannot address the current issues arising from the rapid expansion of RAJUK's jurisdiction and responsibilities.

The ordinance introduces new features for redevelopment, land readjustment and preventing the misuse of playgrounds, wetlands and natural water bodies, he said.

During the meeting, the chief adviser also ordered that "no Union Parishad within RAJUK's area may issue any building approval".

The ordinance incorporates provisions for the regulation of building construction, excavation of water bodies, filling of low-lying land, prevention of obstruction of natural water flow, and restrictions on changing the classification of playgrounds, parks and water bodies.

The new law introduces penalties for constructing buildings in violation of approved designs, as well as provisions for the removal of "deviation-prone and dangerous structures."

It also bars the RAJUK chairman, members or employees from having any share, interest or participation in contracts linked to RAJUK operations.