BM Desk:
The Supreme Court’s Appellate Division has sealed the fate of the “Gulshan Shopping Complex Centre” in Gulshan-1, upholding a High Court order for its demolition due to safety concerns.
A five-member bench led by Chief Justice, on Monday, confirmed the High Court’s December 12th ruling, prompting authorities like DNCC and Rajuk to execute the demolition within 30 days. Notably, the shop owner association’s appeal against the High Court decision proved unsuccessful.
The saga leading to this final verdict began last July when two companies, Vani Chitra and Films, filed a writ petition in the High Court seeking the shopping center’s demolition. This followed a 2021 assessment by the Directorate of Fire Services and Civil Defense deeming the building unsafe and abandoned due to its dilapidated state and lack of a proper fire safety system.
The High Court’s ruling in December mandated DNCC and other relevant authorities to demolish the complex within 30 days. DNCC had already sealed the premises in July 2023 through a mobile court operation.
With the Supreme Court’s endorsement, the fate of the risky Gulshan Shopping Complex is now sealed. Its demolition will hopefully prioritize public safety and address concerns raised by both authorities and local residents.
