A STUDY conducted by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) revealed that real estate developers have to pay up to Tk 2 crore speed money to get building approval from RAJUK for a housing project. The government-set rate for this service is Tk 3.65 lakh maximum, but the developers have to spend up to Tk 40 lakh extra for getting approval for a building above 10 storeys. Besides, realtors are charged Tk 10 lakh extra for approval of a 10-storey building, while an individual pays up to Tk 4.5 lakh for the same.
TIB observed that errors were made during the formation of RAJUK, exploitation of loopholes, mismanagement, corruption, irregularities, and lack of transparency and accountability have been institutionalised. Besides, giving the mandate to formulate plans and implement development activities, RAJUK was also given the job of a regulatory body. As the housing sector became profitable, RAJUK maintained links with influential groups and served their needs. RAJUK also turned into a profit-making body. In doing so, one of its core mandates, the regulatory role, has been overlooked.
In 2017-18 fiscal year, RAJUK issued 6,011 land use clearances and approved designs of 6,698 buildings. The number was 3,632 and 3,837 respectively in 2014-15 fiscal year. The report also mentioned that two members of the parliamentary standing committee on the housing and public works ministry are owners of construction firms. There is a scope for making complaints against dishonest RAJUK employees. But it is alleged that proper action against them is not taken. Within the RAJUK, Tk 2 lakh to 2.5 lakh is needed in bribes for a transfer and up to Tk 1 crore for a promotion.
RAJUK authorities must preserve documents digitally and formulate a detailed guideline for the online application process regarding land use clearances and building approvals.
TIB observed that errors were made during the formation of RAJUK, exploitation of loopholes, mismanagement, corruption, irregularities, and lack of transparency and accountability have been institutionalised. Besides, giving the mandate to formulate plans and implement development activities, RAJUK was also given the job of a regulatory body. As the housing sector became profitable, RAJUK maintained links with influential groups and served their needs. RAJUK also turned into a profit-making body. In doing so, one of its core mandates, the regulatory role, has been overlooked.
In 2017-18 fiscal year, RAJUK issued 6,011 land use clearances and approved designs of 6,698 buildings. The number was 3,632 and 3,837 respectively in 2014-15 fiscal year. The report also mentioned that two members of the parliamentary standing committee on the housing and public works ministry are owners of construction firms. There is a scope for making complaints against dishonest RAJUK employees. But it is alleged that proper action against them is not taken. Within the RAJUK, Tk 2 lakh to 2.5 lakh is needed in bribes for a transfer and up to Tk 1 crore for a promotion.
RAJUK authorities must preserve documents digitally and formulate a detailed guideline for the online application process regarding land use clearances and building approvals.
