Criminal, drug peddlers using RAJUK Uttara Apartment Project as safe haven

Residents of the RAJUK Uttara Apartment Project (RUAP) in the capital have alleged widespread illegal occupation, drug trading and extortion, blaming the authorities for failing to ensure proper oversight of the residential area despite the project's incomplete infrastructure.

They alleged that a group of people had taken advantage of the situation to occupy different parts of the residential area illegally, engage in drug trading and extort money from residents and others.

Residents held a human chain opposite Gate No. 6 of RUAP on Friday, with more than 100 people participating in the protest against illegal occupation and extortion.

They said groups of local and outside youths gather at different spots in the residential area after evening, where drug consumption continues until midnight. They also alleged that drug trading had expanded in these places with the support of an organised group.

Mohammad Jahangir Alam, a retired government official, said during the protest, “They want to occupy our walking spaces and take over the waste treatment plant to set up a market there. We cannot allow this to happen.”

Read More

RAJUK land cannot be empire of encroachment

He further said, “Several people from inside and outside RUAP are trying to engage in extortion and illegal occupation. We do not want these activities here. We will not accept any illegal structures or encroachment.”

The protesters called on the authorities concerned to intervene and resolve the problems. They also demanded an end to the illegal occupation of playgrounds, green spaces, roads and footpaths, as well as the elimination of drug trading and extortion in the residential area.

In a statement, residents said the RAJUK project, which was launched to provide housing for low- and middle-income people, remained incomplete despite taking 10 years longer than the stipulated timeframe.

They said construction of several facilities, including the commercial complex, community centre, parking building, swimming pool and gymnasium complex, remained unfinished. They also claimed that some flats in different buildings had yet to be allocated.

At the human chain, Nilofer Jahan Bobby, an initiator of Nisarga Neelima, an organisation of senior citizens in RUAP, said, “We live in a government residential area where illegal occupation and extortion are taking place. We do not want these activities. We want RUAP to become a liveable residential area.”

Agriculturist Shaheen Anwar, another resident, said they had joined forces to stand against the illegal activities.

“We will not tolerate any wrongdoing,” he said.

Another resident, Manik Manobik, alleged that some residents were attempting to occupy different places and roads in RUAP under political patronage.

“Markets are set up in the morning and again in the afternoon. Drug users gather near places where people congregate. These activities cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.