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Tamjidul pointed to the absence of land use restrictions defining what types of institutions or structures are permissible in such sensitive zones.
He said neither the Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP) nor the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) includes policies to restrict land use near the airport’s OLS zones, which are essential for ensuring public safety and health.
Globally, land uses that attract large gatherings -- such as residential areas, schools, hospitals, community centres, and commercial buildings -- are discouraged within inner runway approach zones. Unfortunately, such global best practices are rarely implemented in Bangladesh, he said.
Planner Sheikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan, general secretary of BIP, said the 1995 DMDP had designated the area as a protected wetland or natural space. Satellite images also indicate that the site previously contained a water body, which was later filled in to make way for development.
He emphasised that such development would have required Rajuk’s approval and asserted that the agency cannot escape responsibility for permitting construction in this area.
Mehedi also said Rajuk is not authorised to approve any project in aviation zones without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from CAAB. The fact that Milestone School is situated directly in the runway’s takeoff and landing path exposes a serious lack of coordination between Rajuk and CAAB.
He argued that CAAB must base NOC decisions on thorough planning analysis, yet urban planners are currently excluded from this critical process. To prevent such tragedies in the future, planners must be involved in all planning-related evaluations, he urged.
BIP President Professor Dr Adil Mohammed Khan said training flights must not operate over densely populated areas.
He emphasised that aviation pathways must remain clear in urban planning, which is why major international airports are typically located outside city centres with designated buffer zones.
Although Dhaka airport was originally situated away from the city, unchecked urban expansion has brought high-density development dangerously close to its boundaries. Urban growth should have been managed to avoid encroaching upon the flight approach zones, he said.
He highlighted that the DMDP had classified the current location of Milestone School as a wetland, which also served as a safety buffer for the airport.
Why did Rajuk approve development here in violation of the DMDP? Whose interests were served? he asked.
He also expressed concern over the safety conditions of the damaged building, noting that its grilled balconies and single access/exit point hampered rescue operations and contributed to the tragic death of students.
Dr Adil stressed the need for urgent urban safety measures, not just within aviation zones but throughout Dhaka, to ensure secure housing and infrastructure for all. Institutional accountability is just as important as personal responsibility.
“We must confront land grabbing, corruption, and planning violations at both levels,” he said.
He said, “All institutions attracting public gatherings -- schools, hospitals, mosques, Eidgahs, and others -- must be gradually relocated from airport approach zones to prevent future disasters.”
Responding to questions from journalists, BIP Vice President Shahriar Amin underscored the need to address all irregularities linked to the incident.
Ensuring transparency and accountability across all sectors of governance is essential, and planners must play an active role in that process, he said.
Justice after 40 years
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directed to pay this amount within three months of receiving the order.
Later, the bank authorities filed a petition with the Appellate Division seeking review of its December 9 judgement.
On Thursday, the Appellate Division dismissed the review petition, clearing the way for Harendranath to receive the amount from the Sonali Bank.
According to the case documents, Harendranath, a man from Kushtia’s Khoksa area, after completing BA, began his career at Sonali Bank in Dhaka as a cashier-cum-clerk on December 31, 1979. After three years, he was promoted to senior cashier-cum-clerk and subsequently transferred to the Jatrabari branch.
During his time at Jatrabari, a remittance of Tk 16.16 lakh was transferred to the Motijheel branch. The receiving branch officer acknowledged the full amount in writing, complete with their seal and signature. However, a few days later in 1985, an internal bank investigation revealed that the funds were missing.
In late 1985, Sonali Bank initiated departmental proceedings and filed three cases against nine individuals, including Harendranath, accusing them of embezzling the missing funds.
The ordeal has taken a severe toll on Harendranath’s life.
While talking to The Daily Star, Harendranath said, “I was forced to sell my home and land to fund my legal defence. To support my family, I worked as a ticket seller at a bus stand for nearly 15 years. Now, at the age of 80, I am homeless and destitute.”
Seeking payment of all due salaries and benefits from Sonali Bank, Harendranath has also filed a writ petition with the High Court, which is now pending. When contacted, Sonali Bank’s lawyer Barrister Shamim Khaled told The Daily Star that his client must give Tk 20 lakh as litigation expenses to Harendranath in compliance with the Appellate Division order.