The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has demolished parts of an under-construction building for being constructed without approval and allegedly encroaching on the premises of the historic Askar Dighi area in Chattogram.
The demolition was carried out on Wednesday afternoon during a CDA drive at Askar Dighi area in Chattogram. CDA Authorised Officer-2 Tanzib Hossain and other officials concerned were present during the operation.
According to CDA sources, the construction of the building at Askar Dighi came to the authority’s attention soon after work began. The owner was served several notices ordering a halt to the construction. However, construction continued despite the notices, prompting the CDA to conduct the drive on Wednesday.
CDA Authorised Officer-2 Tanzib Hossain said the building was being constructed without any approval at Askar Dighi.
“We noticed the construction when the owner was casting the roof of the first floor. We subsequently served notices. As construction continued despite repeated notices, we conducted the operation,” he said.
He said the entire building had been constructed without approval and that the owner had not obtained any permission from the CDA.
“Askar Dighi is a historic area of Chattogram. Under the master plan, the area must be preserved. There is no scope for approving a building plan here. Therefore, action was taken against the unauthorised construction,” Tanzib Hossain said.
He added that the CDA would demolish the unauthorised portions of the building according to its capacity. Further decisions regarding fines, sealing of the building or other legal measures would be taken by the executive magistrate.
Earlier, the CDA also conducted a drive against unauthorised construction at an approved commercial building beside Laldighi in the city.
The building had approval for construction up to eight floors. However, additional portions were constructed without maintaining the required road space and setback.
During the operation, the unauthorised portions were demolished. The building owner was also fined Tk 12 lakh and given 15 days to demolish the remaining unauthorised portions at their own initiative.
According to CDA sources, regular drives are being conducted against unauthorised and rule-violating buildings across the city.
At present, around 150 buildings have been identified under the CDA’s Authorisation-2 branch. Of these, action has already been taken against 40 to 50 buildings.
CDA said its drives would continue against various irregularities, including construction without approval, unauthorised extensions beyond approved designs, encroachment on roads and failure to maintain mandatory setbacks.
The authority is also taking a strict stance on construction and implementation of approved building plans in historic and conservation areas, particularly those covered by the city’s master plan.