Rajuk's Jhilmil housing project. Photo: Staff Photographer Rajdhani
Unnayan Kartripakkha’s (Rajuk) Jhilmil housing project began allocating plots
in 2011, with the process continuing until last year. The residential housing project
has a total of 1,767 plots, 10 percent of which were set aside for a reserved
quota. However, according to information from Rajuk, 32 additional plots were
allocated beyond the set quota in violation of policy.
Rajuk officials claim they were forced to distribute these plots under pressure from
higher authorities. Reportedly, the allocations were primarily driven by
directives from the then-Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Housing
and Public Works. The largest number of such allocations took place over the
past five years.
According
to sources, the then-government relied on support from various sectors,
including the judiciary, media, administration, and politicians, to maintain
power. In exchange for this support, these individuals were provided
opportunities to increase their wealth through various means, including gifts and
privileges. Several such names were also found on the list of plot allocations
under the reserved quota for the Jhilmil housing project.
An
incomplete and unverified list obtained by Bonik Barta shows that media
professionals known to be close to the government during the Awami League’s
tenure also received plots unlawfully from the reserved quota.
Rajuk sources revealed that there were three types of plots allocated in the Jhilmil
housing project: 2.5 katha, 3 katha, and 5 katha. Among these, there were 297
plots of 2.5 katha, 1,073 plots of 3 katha, and 397 plots of 5 katha.
According
to the rules of the reserved quota, 10 percent of the 397 five-katha plots
equals 40 plots. However, Rajuk allotted 70 plots. Similarly, 10 percent of the
1,073 three-katha plots is 101, but 103 plots were allotted. In total, Rajuk allocated 32 more plots than the reserved quota permitted.
When
asked for comment, RAJUK Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Siddiqur Rahman
Sarker told Bonik Barta, “These allocations were made before my tenure. There
haven’t been any new allocations. Sometimes, allocations were made due to
pressure from above. We are currently investigating past irregularities, and
appropriate actions will be taken.”
Several Rajuk officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that in the
past five years, plots were allocated unlawfully not only in the Jhilmil
project but also in other housing projects. No regulations were followed in
allocating plots from the reserved quota. Rajuk was obliged to allocate plots
to individuals whose names were recommended by higher authorities or included
in lists provided by the ministry. The agency has long been under intense
pressure to distribute plots, forcing them to violate established rules.
Professor
Adil Muhammed Khan from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at
Jahangirnagar University believes Rajuk must break free from the practice of
plot allocations and project approvals influenced by the ministry or government
authorities. He told Bonik Barta, “The allocation of plots by breaking rules
occurs because Rajuk is not fulfilling its core responsibilities. Rajuk should
operate based on public consultation and demand. However, the agency has failed
to play any role in improving the city’s livability. Rajuk must immediately
shift its focus from development authority concerns, or else it will continue
to follow the orders of future governments or bureaucrats.”
