RAJUK to approve plans within 24 days: Zakaria Taher

NARAYANGANJ, Sept 23: The government is taking an initiative to ensure that building plans submitted to the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) are approved within 24 days, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Sumon said on Tuesday.

He made the remarks while answering questions from journalists after inaugurating the office of the Narayanganj Development Authority (NDA).

“RAJUK is a part of this government, and the NDA is also a part of the government. Whatever is good for the people will be done,” the minister said.

He said the government plans to prepare a special master plan for Narayanganj alongside RAJUK’s existing master plan.

The government is also examining whether the jurisdiction of the NDA should be expanded, he said, adding that the possibility of bringing Fatullah and surrounding areas under the authority is also being considered.

Regarding allegations of corruption and harassment in RAJUK services, Sumon said the authority had been struggling with a shortage of manpower compared with the size of the area under its jurisdiction.

“That is why development authorities have been formed in Gazipur and Narayanganj, so that services can be delivered to people more easily,” he said.

The minister said several changes had already been introduced in RAJUK’s services.

“RAJUK in the coming days will be much different from the RAJUK of the past,” he said.

He said the main objective of establishing the NDA was to provide better services to Narayanganj residents and develop the city in a planned manner.

NDA Chairman Masukul Islam Rajib, Narayanganj-5 MP Advocate Abul Kalam, Narayanganj District Council Administrator Professor Mamun Mahmud and Narayanganj City Corporation Administrator Advocate Sakhawat Hossain, among others, were present. Local BNP leaders and activists were also present.