Developers see profit, not bldg code
Says state minister
State Minister for Housing and Public Works Abdul Mannan Khan yesterday said most buildings in Dhaka are built by profit seeking people not following proper building code.
“Most buildings that collapsed recently were put up by modern developers. On the other hand, century old buildings constructed by uneducated masons stand firm till this day,” he said.
The difference between early and modern developers lies in honesty, patriotism and sincerity, something modern developers lack, he said while addressing a workshop at Cirdap auditorium in the city.
The workshop titled “Nationwide Implementation of Building Code: The Way Forward” was jointly organised by Disaster Management Bureau and Comprehensive Disaster Management Project (CDMP).
Speakers there stressed on strict implementation of building code to minimise casualties during possible earthquakes.
The government should stand firm against real estate companies and individuals who do not abide by the code, said Prof Dr Muhammad Hossain of civil engineering department of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet).
Two buildings collapsed in Dhaka's Nakhalpara within one year, both for not complying with the code, he said.
Another big problem lies in faulty foundations of buildings, said Dr AMM Shafiullah, former vice chancellor of Buet.
Different tasks of building construction should be given to relevant experts to ensure safety and quality, he added.
Speaking as the chief guest, Food Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque said the government would form a national body to formulate policies in enforcing building code.
The speakers stressed on the need for an independent national building authority and bringing soil testing organisations under law.
Earlier, CDMP National Project Director Muhammad Abdul Qayyum presented the keynote paper at the programme, chaired by acting secretary of Disaster Management and Relief Dr M Aslam Alom.
Chief Engineer of Public Works Directorate Deoan Muhammad Yeamin;
Institute of Architect President Mobassher Hossain; Chief Architect of Department of Architecture Muhammad Ismail; and Disaster Management Bureau General Manager Ahsan Zakir also spoke.
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