Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) yesterday allocated 1,136 housing plots in Uttara for private service holders, businessmen, industrialists and other professionals for the first time through a computerised lottery.

"We'll start handing over the plots by the end of this year," Housing and Public Works Minister Mirza Abbas told newsmen after the lottery for the third phase plot allocation in Uttara. Rajuk will sell around 6,000 plots in this phase.

The minister said 2,000 plots will be kept reserved for the permanent residents of Uttara whose lands were acquired by the Rajuk authorities for the project.

Another 2,000 plots will be distributed among the officials of government and semi-government organisations without lottery. They will get the plots through marking based on their seniority and salary range, Rajuk sources said.

The housing minister said Rajuk has kept the rest 800 plots reserved for 'special distribution' among journalists and others.

"We are following the guidelines strictly so that the distribution processis transparent. Only 800 plots will be kept for special distribution among the journalists and others," Mirza Abbas said. "But definitely they will have to be eligible for getting plots."

The minister said as a controversy has arisen following the recent plot allocation at Gulshan and Banani for ministers, ruling party lawmakers and leaders, they would this time ensure transparency in the plot allocation process.

Nearly 15,000 people applied for the 6,000 plots in Uttara third phase project of which 1,136 were allocated yesterday for 8,915 single and joint applicants in three categories. These include 405 five-katha and 731 three-katha plots.

The authorities rejected 565 'faulty' applications in these categories.

Computer experts from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) developed and conducted the plotlottery method.

Iqbaluddin Chowdury, secretary of the public works ministry, said they are trying to maintain transparency in Rajuk's plot distribution system. They first prepared guidelines and then invited application for the plots, he added.

Engineer Shahid Alam, chairman of Rajuk, said those who did not get plots can now apply to get their Tk 1 lakh deposit refunded.