Dhaka: Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the Chief Adviser's Special Assistant on Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, announced that the government has no intention of constructing any establishment in the Korial slum.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Taiyeb addressed an unexpected proposal for building a high-tech park in the slum area, urging private entrepreneurs in the software sector to avoid making irresponsible statements about such developments. He specifically mentioned Almas Kabir, who has been advocating for this proposal both verbally and in writing, but due to valid reasons, the government has disregarded it.
Taiyeb clarified that the government currently has no plans to erect any establishment in the Korial slum. He pointed out that the 43-acre land of the slum is under the ownership of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, which has never taken possession of it. Previously, the land belonged to T and T, now BTCL, and is currently the subject of an unresolved court case, preventing the ICT division from taking any possession actions.
Taiyeb further explained that a software park existed in Janata Tower, Karwan Bazar, accommodating approximately 100 IT companies. However, due to the building's vulnerable condition, requiring urgent repairs, the companies had to vacate. The government is now constructing a new building for a software park in Karwan Bazar.
He added that in late last year, there was a suggestion to establish a software park at Banani Corner, a small area of the large plot without any slum presence. Following discussions with human rights activists, the ICT division decided against planning any infrastructure in the Korial slum.
Taiyeb emphasized the division's request to the Public Works Department and Rajuk for land in Agargaon, Purbachal, or other areas of Dhaka for setting up a software park. The government aims to create office space for software companies to boost IT exports, and steps are underway to allocate a plot in Agargaon for the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park. A green leaf project is being developed for constructing the software park's head offices and other infrastructure, with a positive response from the Public Works Department.
Reiterating the government's stance, Taiyeb stressed there are no plans, ongoing projects, or proposals for infrastructure in the Korial slum. He urged private entrepreneurs to exercise caution in their statements, especially during a time when many are in a vulnerable situation due to recent fires. Taiyeb condemned attempts to embarrass the government with unfounded proposals for a high-tech park in the slum.