HC questions why DAP implementation still elusive
A writ petition was submitted by Manobadhikar O Samaj Unnayan Sangstha (Mosus), a human rights and social development organisation.
The High Court has issued a rule asking why Dhaka's Detailed Area Plan (DAP) has not been properly implemented and why the authorities' failure to do so should not be declared illegal.
The bench of Justice Khizir Ahmed Choudhury and Justice AFM Saiful Karim issued the rule today (14 September) after hearing a writ petition submitted by Manobadhikar O Samaj Unnayan Sangstha (Mosus), a human rights and social development organisation.
The Housing and Public Works secretary, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) chairman and other relevant authorities have been asked to respond to the rule within four weeks.
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Senior lawyer and the human rights body's Chairman Md Golam Rahman Bhuiyan, who appeared for the petitioner, confirmed the matter.
According to the petition, the DAP was formulated to promote planned, environment-friendly and people-oriented urbanisation in Dhaka. However, its implementation has not become visible despite the passage of considerable time.
The first DAP for Dhaka was officially formulated in 2010 by Rajuk under the Town Improvement Act of 1953.
The lack of effective implementation has contributed to worsening urban problems, including encroachment on water bodies and open spaces, unplanned construction, environmental degradation and severe traffic congestion, the petition said.
After the hearing, the lawyer said effective implementation of the DAP was not merely an urban planning issue but was also linked to citizens' fundamental rights, environmental protection and safe living conditions for future generations.
He expressed hope that the court's order would strengthen accountability among the authorities and accelerate planned and sustainable development in Dhaka.
