The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Dhaka City Corporation formed a 5-member investigating committee to probe the incident of developing cracks at the 37-storied City Centre at Motijheel, which has been put under a close watch of engineers.

"We've decided to form a 5-member probe committee and we've already sent letters to the department concerned in this connection. And we hope the committee will start their duties from today. morning," DCC mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka said at a press conference at the auditorium of Nagar Bhaban (DCC headquarters) on Sunday afternoon.

The mayor informed that the committee includes BUET professors Dr Sikander Ali and Dr Mohammad Joynul Abedin, one from Public Works Department, one from Army Engineering Corps and DCC engineer Abul Hasnat. Besides, two DCC engineers would observe condition of the building twice (morning and evening) a day till the probe report comes.

The city father said the committee, headed by Professor Dr Sikander Ali, was also asked to submit their report within the next 15 days. He said during the timeframe, all kinds of construction activities would halt but the banks and other authorities were instructed that they could continue their operations as there is no risk of life. "After getting their (probe committee's) report, we'll do everything needed," Sadek Hossain Khoka said.

About the process of tender, the mayor of Dhaka said the DCC did nothing wrong. Everything had to be done under due process. About corruption, he said the anti-corruption commission, police and other authorities concerned should scrutiny the whole project and must take legal actions if they found anyone guilty. DCC chief engineer Ashraful Islam said the cracks developed in three columns which are not part of the main structure, nor even part of design of the building. The workers made the columns temporarily so they can make new shed or decoration inside the building. "It's an ornamental work and building is not damaged by such ornamental works. So city commuters can be assured that there is nothing against life," the DCC chief engineer said.