Reconsider the ban on commercial establishments in residential areas

The government has recently issued a notice to the people concerned that no commercial establishment will be allowed to operate in residential plots of Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Uttara. They have been given six months time to relocate. Let us examine the prevailing ground situation.

The main reason for renting a non-commercial space is that the rent is affordable. Most of the owners of the establishments won't be able to pay rent for the proper commercial spaces. If the decision is implemented, one third of the houses and apartments will be rendered vacant with permanent 'to-let' signboards. Thus, the owners will suffer tremendous loss of income. 

Moreover, there are not enough commercial spaces in the city to accommodate these commercial establishments. Even if the owners of commercial establishments can find spaces, the rent will be exorbitant. As a consequence, the stakeholders will be forced to close down the schools, colleges, hotels, restaurants, etc., leading to loss of business and employment of thousands. And finally, this decision will be a golden opportunity for some of the corrupt officials of Rajuk and Department of Housing and Public Works to resort to extortion and intimidation. We urge the government to reconsider the decision and find out an acceptable, pragmatic alternative.

Dr. SN Mamoon
Dhaka