Residents say delays in completing key infrastructure and the issuance of completion notices despite unfinished facilities have created gaps in oversight, allowing groups to engage in alleged illegal activities across the housing project.
On Friday morning, more than 100 residents staged a human chain opposite Gate No. 6 of RUAP, calling for intervention by the authorities to stop alleged encroachment, extortion and drug-related activities in the residential area.
Participants alleged that groups of local and outsiders gather at different locations in the area after dusk, with drug use continuing until midnight. They also claimed that drug dealing had expanded with the support of an organised group.
Mohammad Jahangir Alam, a retired government official, said some people were attempting to occupy walking spaces and take over a waste treatment facility to set up a market.
“They want to occupy our walking areas and take over the waste treatment plant to set up a market. We cannot allow that to happen,” he said.
He alleged that some people from within and outside RUAP were involved in attempts at extortion and illegal occupation, adding that residents would not accept unauthorised structures or encroachment.
The protesters demanded an end to the illegal occupation of playgrounds, green spaces, roads and footpaths. They also called for effective action against alleged drug dealing and extortion, saying prompt intervention was necessary to restore a safe and liveable residential environment.
Infrastructure remains incomplete, residents say
In a statement issued by residents, they said the RAJUK project was originally undertaken to provide housing for low- and middle-income people. However, they alleged that the project remained incomplete even 10 years beyond its scheduled completion period, leaving several important facilities unfinished.
According to the statement, work on the commercial complex, community centre, parking building, swimming pool and gymnasium complex has yet to be completed. Residents also claimed that some apartments in different buildings remain unallocated.
Nilofar Jahan Bobby, founder of Nisarga Nilima, an organisation of senior citizens at RUAP, said residents wanted a safe and liveable government housing area free from illegal occupation and extortion.
“We live in a government residential area. Illegal occupation and extortion are taking place here. We do not want these activities. We want RUAP to be a place fit for living,” she said.
Agriculturist Shaheen Anwar, another resident, said they had united to protest against the alleged illegal activities and would not accept wrongdoing.
Another resident, Manik Manobik, alleged that some residents were attempting to occupy public spaces and roads under political patronage.
He claimed that temporary markets were being set up at different times of the day and that drug users gathered near places where people congregated.
Residents call for action
Residents urged RAJUK and the relevant law enforcement agencies to remove illegal structures and encroachments, stop drug-related activities, and investigate allegations of extortion.
They also called for the prompt completion of unfinished infrastructure to improve the residential environment and ensure residents' safety.
The residents said coordinated action by the authorities was essential to protect public spaces and ensure that the housing project remained suitable for residential use.
