Reference is made to the roundtable transcript on 'How Environment Friendly, Is Our Building Construction Rules?' published in the DS: Thanks to all the participants and the organizers for identifying such an important issue for the attention of the city dwellers. YEP forum has put forward a number of recommendations. Some of these direcUy relate to the activities -of RAJUK. YEP. members also expressed their opinions to form an advocacy group to mobilize public opinion to protect the interest oi the city dwellers.

We are aware of the role of RAJUK in city development activities. Tn this respect several write-ups and news were published in the DS in the recent past. Thanks to the chairman of RAJUK who has confirmed that 80 per cent of the constructed buildings have violated Building Construction Rule. What a pity!

I want to point out that only RAJUK cannot be held responsible for this. One may ask. why? This is simple. Many of these constructed buildings have RAJUK-approved drawings but these drawings were not followed during the construction time. Owners of these buildings have violated the Building Construction Rules. Well, one may argue that why RAJUK did not take action in time. This is an issue which should be referred to RAJUK for explanation. In reality many of these are covered up by the parties concerned for their own interest which surely is an of-

As professionals, the role of architects, engineers and planners is to carry out their job from the inception till completion. Let us not forget that these professionals play a very important role during planning and construction stages. The present rule says, any building more than four storied high

must be designed by aji architect. A client may seek the Servites of the professionals at various stages of design and construction.

Many buildings which have violated the Building Construction Rules were supervised by the professionals. How does one justify this type of practice by these professionals? Are they doing their job? Why can't the professionals disagree with clients whenever there is a violation and bring this to the notice of the authority concerned or professional bodies. What about professional bodies like Institute of Architects. Institute of Planners and Institute of Engineer's. These bodies certainly have a role to play.

Bangladesh National Building Code was prepared by a multi-disciplinary team of experts like architects, engineers, planners, scientists, research workers from university faculties and other professional practitioners. The document is a guide to regulate all building works of various nature — from residential to commercial, industrial buildings to hospitals, recreationals. parking garages etc. I wonder why after so much of effort by the professionals and bureaucrats, the document could not be made effective since it was published in 1993. Where has it gone wrong?

Unfortunately we have failed to make our law makers understand the importance of it and I think an advocacy group should be formed immediately to motivate them and finally get it passed by the Parliament.

I strongly feel that for the greater interest of the country the government should give recognition to professional bodies, like the Institute of Architects to control the activities of its member architects and the architecture profession of this country.