Rajuk shuts all 16 restaurants at Gawsia Twin Peak on Satmasjid Road

In the wake of the devastating Bailey Road fire that killed 46 people, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), city corporations and the fire service are conducting joint raids at commercial buildings in the capital to inspect safety standards.  

Rajuk has shut down all 16 restaurants at the Gawsia Twin Peak building on Satmasjid Road which came under heavy criticism recently for not following proper fire safety measures.

Rajuk Executive Magistrate and Zone-3 Director Tajina Sarowar, who led the drive, told TBS, "The Gawsia Twin Peak building was originally approved for office use; however, the building authority has allowed restaurants to operate on nearly every floor of the 14-story building. As a result, we were compelled to shut down all 16 restaurants.

"In May of last year, our mobile court team visited the building and issued a warning, but it was not heeded."

During today's drive, Rajuk closed down several restaurants: Galito's on the 1st floor, Cafe Dolce on the 2nd floor, Cafe Sao Paulo Limited and Adi Korai Gosto Ltd on the 3rd floor, Yum Cha District and The Lobby Buffet on the 4th floor, Spice & Herbs and Culture & Cuisine on the 9th floor, Chaap Ghor on the 10th floor, and Kavan Signature on the 11th floor.

Additionally, Rajuk disconnected electricity connection to Aristocrat Lounge on the 5th floor, White Hall on the 6th floor, Meritage Dhaka on the 7th floor, The Pan Pacific Lounge on the 8th floor, Retro Live Kitchen on the 14th floor, and Retro Love Kitchen on the rooftop. 

Spice & Herbs restaurant was also fined Tk 2 lakhs by Rajuk. The rooftop restaurant was demolished due to non-compliance with regulations. However, the restaurant owners argue that they did not receive any notice from Rajuk.

Md Abul Ahsan Anwar, secretary general of the Shop Owners Association of Gawsia Twin Peak and the owner of the Pan Pacific Lounge, told TBS, "We have been operating our businesses for four to five years, why is Rajuk now claiming that we do not have approval? Approval was obtained from Rajuk solely for setting up restaurants in the building.

"Around 2,000 people are working in this building. What will happen to their livelihoods? We conduct our business here in full compliance with all regulations. We prioritise safety and regularly conduct fire drills.

"So far, we have conducted business while adhering to all legal requirements, including obtaining trade licences, connecting to Wasa and electricity lines, and obtaining environmental department clearance from the city corporation. We have not received any notice from Rajuk."

After the recent fire at Green Cozy Cottage on Bailey Road, Mustapha Khalid Palash, the architect of the Gawsia Twin Peak building, took to Facebook to criticise the owners. He accused them of prioritising profits over adhering to safety regulations, labelling them as "money-mongers." In his Facebook post, Palash also advised people to steer clear of Gawsia Twin Peak and opt for street food instead.

Shahidul Islam, logistics manager for the Gausia Twin Peak building developer authority, told TBS, "The building was constructed according to the architect's design. We obtained approval from the Ministry of Public Works for commercial use, specifically for restaurants. However, there were conditions attached to Rajuk's design approval. Rajuk categorised it as an F-1 building, permitting restaurants within this category."

He also clarified that they were responsible for constructing only the building and subsequently sold it to multiple owners. These owners have then rented out the building to various restaurants.

However, Ashraful Islam, chief town planner at Rajuk, told TBS that the building did not have permission to house restaurants. Initially, it was approved as an F-1 type for office space usage. However, an F-2 permit is necessary for restaurant operations.

He said all government agencies should scrutinise a building's design, approval documents, and overall issues before granting gas, electricity, and trade licences before giving permission. Weaknesses in these areas allow building owners to exploit illegal opportunities.

What do experts say about safety regulations?

Adil Mohammed Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), told TBS, "We often witness government agencies launching drives only after incidents occur. However, this reactive approach is not sustainable. Irregularities persist in various aspects of our country. While minor interruptions in state operations may be tolerable, a lack of solutions for systemic interruptions is concerning."

He further said that the primary issue lies in ineffective governance. Consequently, businessmen and building owners often operate unchecked, leading to incidents like the one on Bailey Road. Government agencies should enhance monitoring efforts to mitigate such occurrences.

Jigatola's Keari Crescent Tower sealed off

The Dhaka South City Corporation today sealed off the Keari Crescent Tower in Jigatola, which houses several restaurants, due to the lack of fire safety measures. 

DSCC Executive Magistrate Md Jahangir Alam, who led the drive, told TBS that three people were arrested in this connection and four companies in Keari Crescent Tower and Rupayan ZR Plaza were fined Tk6 lakh.

He also said, "Due to the lack of a fire extinguishing system, we have sealed the building [Keari Crescent Tower]. Also, there is only one narrow staircase in the building."

A notice from the fire service was put up with warnings for people not to use the building.

The DSCC official said there is no meaning in giving notice when a building is risky.

Asked why no action was taken earlier, he said, "The south city corporation covers a big area. We do a lot of work. It is not possible to take care of everything. If you complain to us, we act accordingly. Those who collect tax do not work to check if a building is risky or not. That is the fire service's job."

Raids underway 

On 3 March, in a massive drive against flawed infrastructures in the capital, the police detained at least 35 people from over a dozen buildings housing restaurants in the Dhanmondi area for allegedly not complying with fire safety regulations and the Bangladesh National Building Code. 

Refatul Islam, an assistant commissioner of police (New Market Zone), told TBS that similar raids are ongoing at Gulshan, Basundhara and other areas.