Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) has started demolishing a building belonging to AK Azad, chairman and managing director (MD) of Ha-Meem Group of Companies.
Azad had also served as the president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).
The demolition of the building, located in Road 86 of Gulshan 2 area, began on Tuesday.
RAJUK brought in heavy machinery such as an excavator, and began demolishing the main entrance of the building earlier in the day.
Before the drive, all utility connections, including electricity and gas services were disconnected. However, the building still contains furniture and other valuables.
Responding to a query, RAJUK Executive Magistrate Waliur Rahman said: “The building’s design was not approved by RAJUK.”
Meanwhile, a RAJUK official, preferring not to be named, said: “The building was constructed in 1964 on 0.80 acres of land. AK Azad bought the home ten to twelve years ago but he is yet to transfer ownership of the property to his name.
“We have sent multiple notices to the homeowner (AK Azad) before starting to demolish the building, but he did not care to respond.”
However, the official could not confirm that if the notices were sent directly to AK Azad.
“We were supposed to demolish the building next Sunday (March 25), but we had to do it today for strategic reasons”, he added.
Ha-Meem Group MD AK Azad could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.
Azad is the owner of two media outlets– Dainik Samakal and a television channel named Channel 24– in Bangladesh.