Dhaka city development authority RAJUK and corruption have become synonymous, says Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
In a recent study, the TIB has found traces of corruption and land grabbing against RAJUK.
“It's rare to see anyone getting service from RAJUK without bribe. RAJUK officials, brokers and service takers are in tripartite liaison. Based on contract, bribes are taken in specific amounts," it's Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said on Wednesday (Jan 29) while publishing the study findings.
"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.”
There is a communication gap between the RAJUK board and management, for which the organization lacks accountability and transparency, said the TIB official.
Describing RAJUK as a revenue generating entity, he said: “It (RAJUK) is in a conflict with its prime responsibility. Instead of securing 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-storey buildings or above.