RDA Chairman Threatened by Building Owner

Md. Sohel Rana, Rajshahi Correspondent ​The Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) faced resistance from a building owner while attempting to demolish an unauthorized rooftop swimming pool built without approval on a 10-story building in the Terokhadia area of Rajshahi city. During the drive, allegations surfaced against building owner Abdur Rashid for threatening the RDA Magistrate and warning that he would "take care of" and "finish off" RDA Chairman Abul Kalam Azad Sweet. ​The operation was conducted around 12:00 PM on Tuesday at Al Raisha Tower in the city's Terokhadia area. According to RDA sources and officials concerned, the swimming pool was constructed on the roof in violation of the approved building plan. Although the owner was previously directed to remove the unauthorized structure after the matter came to light, he failed to comply. ​On Tuesday afternoon, an eviction drive was led by RDA Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun. During the drive, the magistrate repeatedly requested owner Abdur Rashid to open the main gate. However, he refused and told the team to break in. It is alleged that Abdur Rashid threatened the magistrate, stating, "If you enter, and a couple of murders happen, you will have to take responsibility." ​Given the situation, the magistrate exercised his legal authority to break open the main gate and enter the premises. Accompanied by law enforcement personnel, workers, and media representatives, he proceeded to the rooftop, where the unauthorized swimming pool was confirmed and subsequently demolished. ​During the demolition, building owner Abdur Rashid grew further enraged. At one point, addressing RDA Chairman Abul Kalam Azad Sweet, he remarked, "Sweet thinks he has great power because he is the RDA Chairman. He sent you to demolish this; go ahead and break it. I will take care of Sweet; I will finish him off." ​When asked about the incident, RDA Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun told journalists that the team went there specifically to remove the illegal structure. Since the building owner refused to cooperate, they had to break the main gate using legal power to gain entry. ​He noted that the rooftop swimming pool was physically inspected during the drive, and no approval was ever granted for it. He added that the weight of the water poses a risk of excessive structural load on the building, alongside potential damage from dampness and water leakage. The magistrate further mentioned that the owner attempted to halt the eviction through various means during the operation. ​Attempts were made to obtain a statement from building owner Abdur Rashid, but he could not be reached for comment