Dhaka is turning into a death trap

Due to unplanned urbanization, Dhaka is increasingly becoming a death trap. Firstly, to cope with the pressure of a huge population, Dhaka's air and water are becoming contaminated. Secondly, many residential buildings in Dhaka are highly vulnerable. The majority of these buildings are constructed without proper approval from Rajuk or any organizations. Consequently, at any time, any type of disaster can occur.

According to a special report in today's (May 11) news media, a 14-story building has been constructed in the capital's Basila area without any legal documents regarding its construction. Not only in Basila, but also in the areas surrounding Gabtoli-Hazaribagh Bridge, many multistory buildings are being erected without approval from the authorities. Under the jurisdiction of the city corporation, communication with the main city is easy, and due to comparatively lower prices, the demand for plots and flats in this area has increased significantly.

This news isn't new. Reports on the unplanned construction of buildings in and around Dhaka are frequently covered in various newspapers. However, it seems like no one is paying much attention to it. Whenever someone acquires a piece of land, they construct multistory buildings as they please. Many are constructing multistory buildings within narrow lanes, often filling up ponds, canals, and low-lying areas. Moreover, in most cases, there is little adherence to any regulations in the construction of these buildings. Consequently, the risk of various types of hazards, including fire incidents, is increasing significantly.

Stakeholders are stating that all these risky and highly risky buildings could potentially become targets in any fire incident. Despite the availability of alternatives like emergency exits and evacuation routes, fireproof lifts, fire doors, fire detectors, fire sprinklers, and fire suppression systems, countless multistory buildings are being constructed without such provisions. Although there may be discussions about obtaining a non-objection certificate (NOC) from the fire service before using new buildings, many of these buildings are being utilized without such certificates.

We know that the capital city, Dhaka, is prone to various risks, including earthquakes. New gas connections are no longer being permitted in the city. Residential buildings rely on cylinder gas for usage. There's a risk of fire outbreaks at any time with cylinder gas. If such a fire incident occurs, it would be challenging to conduct rescue operations effectively in these areas.

Despite dismissing the possibility of accidents, it's necessary to have certain civic amenities in residential areas. It's been observed that initiatives for such housing have started, and Rajuk hasn't hindered building construction. Consequently, essential facilities like playgrounds, parks, gardens, open spaces, markets, educational institutions, well-developed roads, sewage systems, drainage, and water connections have not been provided by the authorities. There are only plots upon plots, with rows of multistory buildings rising up. There's a lack of greenery—Dhaka often feels like a concrete jungle. In such a lifestyle, Dhaka's people are stuck amidst bricks and concrete.

Who to blame? Building owners, tenants or urban planners? In Dhaka, both the influx of population and the negligence of the city authorities contribute to the chaotic situation. However, when a major accident occurs, ultimately, Rajuk will bear the responsibility. Why do governments and various organizations become active only after major accidents? It's high time to see how much responsibility they take in terms of inspection, promises, or assurances to prevent accidents.

Specifically, there are allegations against Rajuk or the city corporation, whose responsibility is to oversee these buildings, that they themselves facilitate such irregularities by accepting various benefits from building owners. There are further allegations that many of the illegally constructed buildings are owned by individuals who hold significant economic or political influence. In such cases, bringing these influential individuals within the ambit of the law may pose significant challenges. It's important to remember that life is more precious than any necessity. Simply acquiring shelter won't be enough; everyone needs to consider their own safety and security in life.