DHAKA:  The High Court asked authorities concerned to submit a list of risky buildings in Dhaka city within 3 months.

Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Fire Service and RAJUK were asked to comply with the order by November 22.

The HC bench of Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md. Ashraful Kamal gave the order after hearing on a writ filed for the welfare of people on Tuesday (August 14).

Besides, the court issued a rule asking the authorities to reply in four weeks as to why it shall not order to demolish six-storey Gulshan Shopping Center after disconnecting the gas and power connections of the building.

The court also asked why it shall not pass order against the ministry and two agencies to take safety steps after identifying the risky buildings.

Lawyer Rashna Imam, accompanied by lawyer Jubaida Gulshan Ara, moved for the writ petition.  

The next hearing date is fixed on November 22.

Md Hanif, executive director of a private organization, namely Swadesh, filed the writ on August 9.

HC also asked why Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Fire Service, RAJUK will not be ordered to take due safety measures after identifying risky buildings in Dhaka city.

Rashna Imam told reporters, “According to the Fire Service and Fire Prevention Act 2003, Gulshan Shopping Center was declared inhabitable on June 11. Afterwards, no initiative was taken to demolish the building. For this reason, the writ was filed.”

BDST: 2045 HRS, AUG 13, 2018

AH/AP