Chattogram:The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has taken action against several building owners for violating approved construction plans, imposing fines totaling Taka 20 lakh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, CDA sealed three buildings and, with the assistance of the Bangladesh Power Development Board, disconnected electricity to five other buildings. These measures were part of mobile court operations conducted in areas including Kotwali, Khalifapatti, Abedin Colony, Chawkbazar Kitchen Market, and BITAC area of Pahartali, where a total of seven buildings were inspected.
During the inspections, unauthorized sections of buildings constructed in violation of approved plans were demolished and removed. Building owners were required to sign undertakings, committing to adhere to CDA-approved plans for future construction projects.
In one notable case in Abedin Colony, a building approved for eight storeys was found to have been constructed up to 11 storeys. The absence of the owner's representative during the inspection did not prevent CDA from taking action. Tenants were found to be using a single electricity meter intended for construction purposes. Although the building was not sealed on humanitarian grounds due to tenant occupancy, its electricity supply was disconnected.
The operation was led by Mohammad Manjur Hasan, CDA's Chief Special Metropolitan Magistrate, alongside other officials including Joint District and Sessions Judge, Superintending Engineer (Current Charge), and Chairman of Building Construction Committee-2, as well as Authorized Officer-2 Tanjib Hossain. Following the operation, Manjur Hasan stated that CDA would persist in its efforts against illegal structures and non-compliant buildings.