Institutional corruption at Rajuk

The recently held public hearing by Rajdhani Unnayan Katripakkha (Rajuk) has opened up a can of worms on the systemic graft that exists in the institution. We are appalled to hear one retired government officer produce evidence that even after two decades the gentleman has not received allotment for his plot. Not only did he not get the letter to which he is entitled automatically, the gentleman, a retired additional secretary to the government, was informed that it would take him a few decades to get the plot in the normal manner and an additional Tk 60,000 to grease the palm for his file to reach the relevant desk. This is just the tip of the iceberg in the den of corruption that is Rajuk. There are many who have been waiting for their plots in Rajuk's various housing projects, and without bribe; nothing gets done apparently. 

Allegations are ten a penny on RAJUK approving illegal housing plans, deviating from the master plan that is supposed to govern the expansion of Dhaka city. It has led to a chaotic situation in many residential areas where unscrupulous house owners managed to construct commercial buildings on plots that are designated for non-commercial use. 

We welcome the public hearing that was organised at the behest of ACC, the Ministry of Housing and the Home Ministry, and this should become a regular affair. It is imperative that aggrieved parties are able to voice their complaints and their problems looked into. Rajuk's negligence and rent seeking attitude has to be addressed if we wish to see Dhaka city grow in a planned manner.