The Rajdhani Unyan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) identified at least 42 multi-storied and high-rise buildings in capital Dhaka and its neighbouring Narayanganj and Gazipur districts which are highly risky if earthquake hits.
The government owned urban development body also recommended for the demolition of those buildings within the next three months.
As per the recommendations of the Urban Development Committee, the RAJUK also has decided to ask the owners of those buildings to vacate their building within a week. The owners will also be instructed to tear down the structure on their own initiative. Otherwise, RAJUK will oversee the demolition of the buildings and recover the costs from the owners.
The RAJUK officials said that letters will also be sent to government and autonomous institutions to make necessary repairs to 187 'risky' buildings.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Urban Development Committee held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.
Housing and Public Works Secretary Kazi Wasi Uddin, the committee's convener, said the buildings under scrutiny have become unusable.
“That is why we have asked for everything to be removed from the buildings within seven days. After that, these buildings should be demolished within three months."
A committee headed by the chairman of RAJUK has been formed to make decisions in relation to risky buildings that are privately owned, he added.
“The committee will take a decision after assessing these buildings and make their recommendations to us. These recommendations will be presented in the Urban Development Committee's meeting.”
Among the most vulnerable buildings, 30 belong to the Directorate of Education and Engineering, three buildings to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, four to Jagannath University, and one to the Madrasa Board.
Of the 187 buildings that need to be reconstructed and repaired, 154 belong to the Directorate of Education and Engineering.
However, a RAJUK official who attended the meeting said no decision has been taken about the demolition of the buildings. A warning letter will be sent to the building owners.
"It is not possible to empty these buildings within a week. They [owners] will be asked to repair them. Private buildings have not been assessed yet. That will be done later."