Staff Reporter :
Residents of several residential streets in Gulshan have urged Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) to resume its eviction drive against restaurants and other commercial establishments operating illegally in residential zones.
Locals allege that despite earlier enforcement actions, many restaurants have resumed operations or new ones have opened in houses meant strictly for residential use.
They say the unchecked commercial activity has led to traffic congestion, noise pollution, waste management problems and safety risks, particularly due to the use of gas cylinders and increased visitor flow in narrow residential roads.
When contacted, one of the RAJUK law department officials told The New Nation preferring of anonymity that they have to conduct drive as per the decision of the organisation’s board meeting.
“The previous drives have been completed, the new drive against those illegal businesses in Gulshan, Baridhara and other residential areas will be held later,” he said.
Several residents said repeated complaints had been submitted to the authorities, but enforcement has remained inconsistent. “These houses were approved for residential use, not for restaurants.
The situation has again become unbearable,” said a resident of a non-commercial street in Gulshan, requesting anonymity.
Earlier, RAJUK conducted mobile court drives in the area, sealing a number of unauthorised restaurants and businesses for violating zoning regulations.
However, residents claim that lack of sustained monitoring has allowed some establishments to restart operations.
Urban planners note that unplanned commercialisation undermines the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and threatens the character of planned neighbourhoods.
They stress that continued enforcement is necessary to preserve residential zones and ensure public safety.
RAJUK officials have said that action against illegal commercial use in residential buildings is part of an ongoing campaign and warned that repeat offenders will face stricter measures.
Residents have called on the authority to conduct regular drives and ensure permanent compliance rather than temporary closures.
