Prothom Alo reports that at least 1281 plots out of 16,013 plots in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Uttara, which are planned residential areas of Dhaka, are being illegally used for commercial or non-residential purposes. Though the owners of these plots have taken permission for residential buildings, those plots are being used for construction of shops, hotels, restaurants and other commercial activities.
The situation is so dire that almost half of Banani’s plots are now being used for commercial purposes. One-third of the plots in Gulshan and one-fifth in Baridhara have been commercialised. Vigorous commercialization is also underway in Uttara. Many types of problems including traffic jam, noise pollution are increasing in the city.
As per Rajuk rules, commercial activities are prohibited in residential plots. Yet how did this irregularity continue? It is the responsibility of the Development Control Wing of Rajuk to stop such activities. But the officer in charge there says that he is not aware of the illegal commercial use of the plot. The real picture can be gauged when the regulatory authorities are so ineffective and inactive.
