Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over an initiative to construct residential buildings on 114 kathas of Dhaka WASA land in Gulshan, describing the move as “supportive of land grabbing”.
The organisation also demanded immediate cancellation of the irregular initiative and a proper investigation into the matter.
In a statement issued on Thursday, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, “WASA is a government institution and its assets are owned by the people. Decisions regarding the use of such assets should be taken through a transparent, open and participatory process by inviting tenders.”
TIB alleged that an initiative has been taken to construct residential buildings on WASA’s large property in a prime location in the capital’s upscale area based on a single proposal from an organisation considered politically influential. The organisation said the move was a clear violation of relevant laws and policy frameworks.
Iftekharuzzaman said that instead of rejecting the proposal outright, a process of forming committees within a short period and other token measures were used to create an opportunity for the proposer to take control of the land. “Such an initiative is not acceptable in any way,” he said.
He urged the relevant higher authorities to immediately cancel the initiative and conduct a proper investigation.
TIB also said that according to the managing director of Dhaka WASA, the proposal is still at a preliminary stage and that future steps would be taken considering WASA’s interests, not under any pressure.
However, the TIB executive director said an initiative had been taken to hand over land leased from Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) to a private housing company in the name of development, although Rajuk was unaware of the matter.
He claimed that the initiative was taken through the manipulation of vested interests and to serve the interests of a particular group.
Iftekharuzzaman said if Dhaka WASA wants to construct buildings or undertake development work on the land for institutional interests, it must first verify the feasibility and follow the existing policy framework.
TIB said it expects decisions on the matter to be taken through an open, transparent and participatory tender process to ensure the highest possible public interest.
The organisation also urged the authorities concerned to ensure an environment where Dhaka WASA can make decisions on the issue free from political and administrative pressure, fear or influence.
