Allegations have emerged that shops are being constructed at Helena Nibash in South Baridhara, DIT Project, Merul Badda, allegedly through changes to the building’s approved plan. The allegations have raised questions over whether the construction complies with the approved design and the conditions governing residential use.The building is located at House No. 18, Road No. 17, Dhaka-1212, near Merul Badda Police Station Road. Complainants have called for an investigation into the legality of the ongoing construction and whether approval was obtained from the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), the capital’s development authority.According to the allegations, the building’s approved plan and residential-use conditions may have been violated to accommodate shops. The claims, however, require verification through an inspection of the site and a review of the relevant approval documents.Questions over RAJUK approvalA key question is whether RAJUK has approved any changes to the building’s original plan to allow commercial use.A review of the approved design, construction permits and other relevant documents could establish whether the ongoing work complies with the authorised plan and applicable regulations.The complaint also refers to an individual who is described as a lawyer and reportedly identifies himself as a lawyer for RAJUK. His professional identity, association with the authority and role, if any, in the construction project would need to be independently verified. Such claims alone do not establish wrongdoing.RAJUK and police response soughtComplainants have called on RAJUK and Merul Badda Police Station to clarify their positions on the construction and examine whether any rules have been violated.They have urged the authorities to conduct an on-site inspection and compare the current construction with the approved building plan. They have also called for verification of whether the proposed shops have the necessary permissions and whether the building’s designated residential use has been altered in violation of applicable regulations.If violations are established, the relevant authorities may take action in accordance with the law and applicable building regulations.However, the allegations should not be treated as established facts without documentary evidence and confirmation from the relevant authorities.Call for an impartial investigationThe complainants have called for a transparent investigation into the construction at Helena Nibash, including a review of the approved plan, construction permits and any authorisation for commercial use.Statements from the building owner, the individual concerned, RAJUK and Merul Badda Police Station are necessary to establish the facts. Their responses, along with relevant documents and the findings of any inspection, would help determine whether the construction complies with the applicable rules. The central question remains whether the shops are being built with the required approvals and in accordance with the building’s sanctioned plan. A clear response from RAJUK and the relevant police authorities is needed to resolve the concerns raised by the allegations.