The massive explosion that partially collapsed the three-storey Shirin Mansion in the Science Lab area of the city and killed at least three people has raised questions about the approval of the commercial building.
When contacted, officials at the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) could not give any information on the building's construction or design.
Rajuk's Director of Development Control Wing (Development Control-1) Engineer Md Mubarak Hossain said they were looking for the documents related to the building's construction.
“I cannot say clearly whether the building was constructed in accordance with the regulations and whether it was approved by Rajuk or not. The design and other documents have been sought from the department concerned,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
After preliminary inspection, Fire Service officials have said that the accident happened due to the explosion of gas accumulated for a long time and they found no signs of sabotage.
Following the incident, the building was described as risky by the Dhaka South City Corporation. The adjacent commercial building, Kader Arcade, has also been closed.
According to local shopkeepers, the building was constructed on a seven-storey foundation 40-45 years ago. It houses shops on the ground and the first floors, and an office of Phoenix Insurance Company on the second floor.
The current owner of the building is Shirin Sharmin, the third child of Mansoor Uddin, who lives in the United States with her family.
