Dhaka:The government has issued a strict directive prohibiting the subletting of government houses and flats, emphasizing that no portion of such properties, allotted under the Directorate of Government Accommodation, can be rented out to others.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the directive mandates that allottees who have already sublet their accommodations must evict tenants or sublessees by October 31. Failure to comply will result in the cancellation of their allotment, alongside potential punitive and legal repercussions as prescribed by the rules.
The urgent notice, issued on October 29 and signed by Directorate Director Md. Jahirul Islam Khan, was prompted by findings from a recent inspection report that revealed instances of subletting contrary to the Bangladesh Allotment Rules, 1982. The directive underscores that allottees must personally reside in their allotted homes, and any existing subletting arrangements must be terminated by the end of the month.
Moreover, the notice cautions that any allottee found with a tenant or sublessee post-deadline will face immediate action without further show-cause notice. The allotments will be annulled under the pertinent rules, and disciplinary measures will be requested from the allottee's head of office and appointing authority.
The inspection team identified subletting cases during visits to various government properties, and the directive aims to curb this practice, which undermines the primary purpose of government housing. The Public Works Department, along with engineers in relevant areas, have been informed to facilitate the directive's enforcement.
Notices have been distributed to multiple officials, including the Chief Engineer and executive engineers, as well as the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, to ensure awareness and compliance. The initiative seeks to enhance monitoring, maintain discipline within the allotment system, and prevent unauthorized subletting. However, executing the directive and maintaining the subletting ban through consistent inspections remains a significant challenge for the authorities.