TIB flags irregularities in WASA’s Gulshan land plan

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for the immediate cancellation of a plan to construct residential buildings on 114 kathas of Dhaka WASA land in Gulshan, alleging that the initiative could facilitate the transfer of valuable public property to private interests.

In a statement issued on Thursday, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said WASA is a public institution and decisions involving its assets must be made through transparent, open and competitive procedures.

“WASA is a government institution and its assets are owned by the people. Decisions regarding the use of such assets should be taken through a transparent, open and participatory process by inviting tenders,” he said.

TIB alleged that the proposed residential development was initiated on the basis of a single proposal from an organisation it described as politically influential.

According to the anti-corruption watchdog, proceeding with such a proposal without an open tender would violate relevant laws and policy frameworks.

Iftekharuzzaman alleged that instead of rejecting the proposal, WASA moved to form committees and take other procedural steps that could potentially pave the way for the proposer to gain control over the land.

He called the initiative unacceptable and urged the authorities to cancel it immediately and launch a proper investigation.

TIB also raised concerns over reports that the Gulshan property, which WASA leases from Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), could be handed over to a private housing company for development without Rajuk being aware of the initiative.

Iftekharuzzaman alleged that vested interests were attempting to influence the process for the benefit of a particular group.

Dhaka WASA’s managing director, however, has said the proposal remains at a preliminary stage and that any future decision would be taken in the organisation’s interest and without external pressure, according to the TIB statement.

TIB said if WASA considers construction or development on the land necessary for institutional purposes, it should first conduct a feasibility assessment and follow all existing legal and policy requirements.

The organisation urged WASA to ensure that any development plan is undertaken through an open and competitive tender process so that the highest possible public benefit can be secured.

TIB also called on the authorities to ensure that Dhaka WASA can make decisions over the property free from political or administrative pressure, influence or intimidation.