Life at risk at 507 abandoned buildings

Local sources, the government declared 72 buildings abandoned in the city and 435 in housing state area few years before. At least 100-year old 42 buildings in Millpara, Aruapara, Borobazar and Thanapara areas are extremely vulnerable. Though the buildings had been declared abandoned, the authorities have not taken any decision yet to rehabilitate the people. Commoners fear that the buildings may collapse anytime. Many NGOs, political parties, private companies, cultural organisations, building institutions set up their offices in some abandoned buildings. Udichi Shilpa Goshti and NSI office are situated at Amlapara while Narimukti has set up its office in Talipara. Communist Party of Bangladesh and Amlapara Sporting Club set up its offices in Amlapara under the town. Locals alleged the offices had been set up illegally under the nose of the administration. Residents of Piar Sattar building in Mechua Bazar told the Dhaka Tribune that they had been living in the building risking their lives as they had no alternative shelter. Traders at the ground floor of the building alleged that authorities did not take steps to repair the structure. Dokan Malik Kallayan Samity in Borobazar area recently submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner demanding to establish a market after leveling the old buildings. Nesar Ahmed of Thanapara area alleged that they have been living in death traps. He urged the govt to take steps for repairing the buildings or rehabilitating the residents. People of Agaola Street, PC Roy road, 70 No Housing State echoed the words of Nesar. Rashid Shilkder, toll collector of Public Works Department, said: “Due to fund crisis, the structure cannot be established newly after demolishing the old.”