The urbanisation of Rajshahi has changed dramatically in the last two decades. Numerous multi-storey buildings have been built across the city. However, under the guise of this development, many buildings are being constructed ignoring building codes, a large part of which do not have the necessary approvals from the Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) and the Fire Service. As a result, these buildings have now become a major safety risk for the city’s residents.

On-site investigation revealed that two decades ago, the Life Insurance Corporation building was the only 10-story building in Rajshahi. Currently, the number of multi-story buildings across the city is increasing rapidly, but in most cases, construction codes and safety guidelines are not followed.

Mohammad Rana constructed a 9-storey building at New Market intersection in the city’s suburbs without a fire service permit. Although the flats in the building, built by a developer, were sold, the RDA later learned that the building had been constructed without any kind of permit. The authorities have filed a case in this regard. Similar allegations have been made against the 12-storey SS Tower in the Sahebbazar area.

Generally, buildings with a height of more than seven floors are considered multi-storey buildings. There are allegations that many building owners are constructing buildings from eight to 10 floors after obtaining approval for seven floors. In addition, although there is an obligation to leave the necessary space for roads as per the rules, it is not being followed in most cases. City residents and conscious circles allege that in many cases, design approvals have been given illegally in exchange for financial benefits in collusion with some unscrupulous RDA officials. Local resident Nurul Islam said, “If an accident like an earthquake or fire occurs, fire service vehicles will not be able to enter the vicinity of these buildings. This will hamper rescue operations and increase the risk of loss of life manifold.”

Mohammad Abdur Razzak, assistant director of Rajshahi Fire Service and Civil Defense, said that 721 buildings in the city, including houses, educational institutions and markets, are currently in an extremely risky condition. He commented that there is a risk of major accidents or disasters in the future due to the construction of buildings without following the rules.

In this regard, the head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) said, “It will not be enough to end the responsibility by just issuing a notice or filing a case. RDA has to be stricter at the field level. These irregularities will not stop unless the operation of mobile courts is strengthened to demolish the illegal parts.” RDA’s acting superintendent engineer Md. Abdullah Al Tariq said that in the last five years, more than 150 mobile courts have been operated and the extended parts of 140 buildings have been removed. Strict action is being taken against those who violate the rules.

RDA Chief Executive Officer Md. Mashiur Rahman said, “The process of filing notices and cases against owners of unauthorized buildings takes some time. However, all illegal extensions will be removed in phases. Currently, there is no opportunity to influence any official to get the plan passed.” According to RDA sources, notices have been issued to more than 6,500 building owners in Rajshahi over the past decade for building buildings that are not in accordance with the design or are illegal. According to those concerned, these illegal and risky multi-storey buildings have now become one of the main obstacles in the path of planned urbanization.