HELEMUL ALAM

While Road 103 in the capital’s Gulshan -- a designated residential area -- already struggles under tremendous traffic pressure, the establishment of a new shopping mall has further strained the situation.

Experts and commuters warn that the construction of commercial buildings in residential zones will only exacerbate congestion problems, eventually impacting the already-busy Gulshan Avenue.

Despite urban planning rules prohibiting such development, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has approved a multi-storey commercial building beside Pink City Shopping Mall, altering the area’s residential character.

Another building on nearby Road 102 was granted commercial status about 10 years ago, which experts say has contributed to worsening traffic congestion.

A recent visit to Road 103 revealed that a 13-storey building, Ventura Mall (Plot 14/A, Block CEN (C), Road 103/95, Gulshan-2), has been constructed beside Pink City. A signboard outside reads, “Rajuk Approved – Shopping Mall – Ready Shops for Rent.” One shop is already in operation.

Commuters and experts have raised concerns about the conversion of residential buildings to commercial use. Pink City, located at the beginning of Road 103, has long contributed to traffic pressure on the avenue and surrounding streets due to insufficient parking.

Contacted, Atiquzzaman, a sales official of Ventura Mall, confirmed that they received Rajuk’s approval in 2019 after paying Tk 50 lakh per katha for land reclassification. The mall, built on 8.5 kathas of land, has three basements with space for 38 cars and 24 designated parking spots for 22 shops.

“The first three floors are designated for the mall, while the upper floors will be used for office spaces,” he said.

Atiquzzaman also claimed they had made adequate parking arrangements and planned to deploy additional staff to manage traffic.

Md Abul Kayum, director of Chaya Developer Limited which constructed the Pink City, said

SEE PAGE 4 COL 1