The outer extension of a nine-storey building and a newly constructed road sunk into the ground in the capital's Bashundhara Residential Area on Thursday evening while the piling work of a high rise shopping mall was underway.
According to the locals, they heard a big sound around 5pm on Thursday and later found that two-thirds of newly build road No 16 in A block and the outer extension of a nine-storied residential build suddenly sank into the earth.
A snap shot of the sunken road and building, Photo: Robin Abdullah Chowdhury
They alleged that the incident occurred due to the piling work of a high rise shopping mall of Union Group.
Wishing anonymity, a resident of the road told the Dhaka Tribune: “The company dug a 60-feet ditch in order to lay the foundation on the shopping mall. Many of the house owners of the areas noticed that some cracks developed around the construction site and they urged for an effective solution.”
“But, the authorities continue their construction work without taking any step.”
While contacted, Vatara police station Officer-in-Charge Md Sarwar Hossain told the Dhaka Tribune: “The police rushed to the spot immediately after the incident occurred. The residents of the building were safely evacuated in the evening.”
“The authorities of the construction company took quick step to fill the ditch up.”
The locals informed the Dhaka Tribune that they were reeling under multifarious problems as the gas, water and telephone connections of the area were disconnected to avert any further incident.
Some aged people also complained of breathing problem due to the gas leakage in the area after the incident.
Allegation rose that the authorities of the Union Group did not took Rajuk approval while constructing the shopping mall.
While asked about the allegation, OC said: “We did not receive any information regarding the issue. We will take necessary step if the locals filed an official complaint over the issue.”
The Dhaka Tribune tried to contact the authorities of the construction company and Rajuk. But, none of them were available for their comment over the incident.
The work of filling up the 60-feet ditch was underway till filing the report at 2:30pm.