RAJUK And Corruption Synonymous: TIB

Dhaka city development authority RAJUK and corruption have become synonymous, says Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

The TIB has found traces of corruption and land-grabbing against RAJUK in a recent study.

"It is unusual to see anyone providing service without a bribe from RAJUK. RAJUK officials are in tripartite liaison with brokers and service takers. Bribes are taken in different quantities depending on the deal, "said Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman on Wednesday (Jan 29) when releasing the findings of the study.

"RAJUK and corruption have synced with each other and became synonymous."

According to him, the city development has turned into a commercial entity instead of a regulator.

“Another regulatory body needs to be formed in line with the law, which would work as an independent body.”

The RAJUK board and management have a communication gap, for which the company needs accountability and transparency, the TIB official stated.

Describing RAJUK as a revenue-generating entity, he said: “It (RAJUK) is in conflict with its prime responsibility. Instead of securing the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and other plans, RAJUK has violated them."

"In the process of the plans, RAJUK officials gave priority to the investors and influential people in the real estate business.”

The study says, RAJUK officials took bribe in different stages of their work -- to provide clearance, approve building design, and audit.

A developer company needs to bribe something between Tk 300,000 and Tk 1 million for constructing ten-story buildings or above.