The Capital Development Authority of Bangladesh (RAJUK) has disconnected both electricity and gas supplies to a seven-storey building in Lakshmanganj, near the Jinjira Ferry Ghat in Keraniganj, after the structure was found leaning dangerously following a recent earthquake. Authorities have simultaneously issued strict orders for the building to be vacated without delay, warning residents of imminent risk.
On Wednesday, 10 December, a mobile inspection team from RAJUK conducted an on-site operation, removing all utility connections to prevent any further hazards. The building, owned by local resident Abdus Sattar Mia—widely known in the area as “Sattar Kasai”—has been at the centre of safety concerns for several weeks.
According to RAJUK Executive Magistrate Belayet Hossain, the building was constructed without any official design approval or permission from RAJUK, already placing it in violation of planning regulations. A specialist team from the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), inspected the structure and initially classified it as high-risk, recommending immediate evacuation in the interest of public safety.
Magistrate Hossain stated that RAJUK had issued multiple directives to the owner, urging him to clear the building, yet no meaningful action was taken.
“The safety of the residents is our priority. Because of the owner’s non-compliance and the clear structural danger, we were compelled to disconnect the utilities. Once the BUET technical report arrives, further action will follow,” he said.
The building’s owner, Abdus Sattar Mia, expressed dissatisfaction, claiming he had asked for additional time:
“I requested a few more days to vacate the building, but RAJUK cut the electricity and gas before that.”
RAJUK’s operation was conducted in the presence of Zone-5 authorised officer Saeeda Islam, building inspectors Abdul Alim Talukder, Toufiqueuzzaman and Shahinur Islam, officers from Keraniganj Model Police Station, and officials from Dhaka Palli Bidyut Samity-4.
The incident traces back to the early morning of 21 November, when an earthquake caused the seven-storey structure to tilt precariously against an adjacent under-construction high-rise building. The upazila administration immediately instructed the owner and tenants to move out. However, even after 19 days, no action was taken, prompting growing concern among residents and authorities.
Summary of Key Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lakshmanganj, Jinjira Ferry Ghat area, Keraniganj |
| Building Owner | Abdus Sattar Mia (Sattar Kasai) |
| Building Height | 7 storeys |
| Core Issue | Building leaning after earthquake; unauthorised construction |
| Utility Disconnection | Electricity & gas cut on 10 December |
| Expert Assessment | IEB identified the structure as “high-risk” |
| Admin Order | Immediate evacuation instructed on 21 November |
| Owner’s Response | Requested extra time; did not comply |
| Officials Present | RAJUK officers, police, Palli Bidyut Samity-4 staff |
Authorities have indicated that stronger enforcement action may follow if the evacuation order continues to be ignored, as the leaning structure poses a grave danger not only to its occupants but also to neighbouring properties and passers-by.