The land owner of FR Tower in Banani allegedly was in fear and at risk over flouting building construction codes before the fire incident.
Land owner of FR Tower, SMH Faruk, had recently pasted a warning notice on the ground floor of the building, citing irregularities in the construction of the building and illegal occupants, without specifically identifying anyone, reports Bangla Tribune.
There has been a conflict between the land owner and the developer company of the building over indiscipline, arson, damage to the building, and fear of criminal activities, following a letter sent by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha, or Rajuk, to the building authorities for flouting building codes in the construction of FR Tower.
Rajuk warning
A Rajuk notice also warned the building authorities for illegal construction of several floors not consistent with the designs approved by the organization. It also asked the owners to bring the height of the building to the approved level.
The notice further warned that Rajuk would take steps to remove the illegal portions.
The construction company had constructed extra floors without approval from the land owner.
The notice also warned of action against Tasvir Ul Islam (Managing Director of Quasem Drycells) who has illegally occupied levels 21,22 and 23 of the building, and termed him an illegal occupant.
Rajuk request
Rajuk requested Tasvir Ul Islam to remove all his furniture and materials from the said floors within 24 hours to avoid any problems.
If there was any indiscipline or obstacle, or any criminal activity or any damage is brought to the building, legal action would be taken against the people involved, it warned.
Rajuk officials said there was a conflict between the developer company and the land owner since the developer company illegally built some floors without consent of the land owner.
Among the various complaints, it seems Tasvir Ul Islam occupied some floors in the name of the company and built partitions for security staff on the floors. Although notices were sent to them several times, they were ignored.
Rajuk Chairman Abdur Rahman said his office had issued notices to the building owners several times to remove the illegal portions, but no action was taken.
“We will identify the people involved in this infraction of the law and hold them accountable. Initiatives will also be taken to remove illegal portions of the building,” he added.
This correspondent tried to contact Quasem Drycells managing director Tasvirul Islam, but failed.
When asked, an official of the company, wishing anonymity, said notices issued by Rajuk made it quite clear that the extra floors were built illegally and had asked them several times to remove the illegal portions.
“Though the concerned authorities ignored Rajuk notices, Rajuk did not take any action. Now there are also questions about whether the fire at the building was pre-planned."