In addition to the BUET, Dhaka University authorities, the Dhaka City Corporation, Public Works Department and several other state-run and semi-autonomous institutions also defy the BC Act openly under the pretext that "traditionally" they had never sought any clearance from anybody.

According to Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Chairman, Mohammad Shahid Alam, it is mandatory for every one to obtain Rajuk's approval for building plans which is given on the basis of the Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan or the Master Plan. Clearances have also to be obtained from the fire service and the Department of Environment prior to launching construction. Otherwise the structure is deemed unauthorised and it is lawfully subject to demolition.

"We ensure that nothing is built in violation to the Master Plan as it was made on the basis of a thorough research," said Alam. "For instance, thanks to the master plan we know exactly what the consequences are on Dhaka and its periphery if we allow Ashuliya and the flood plains to be filled up, and that is exactly why the Master Plan plays the most vital role in city development," he said.

The Bangladesh Railway and the Armed Forces are however the only two organisations, which enjoy immunity by law from obtaining any clearance or approval for constructing a structure in the city or elsewhere.

The BUET has recently launched constructions of a large dormitory in Palassy area and a four-storey extension of the BUET School inside its campus. The extension work of the school is near completion with its walls less than 'few inches' from the boundary wall, which is a clear violation of the BC Act.

Vice Chancellor of the BUET, Alee Murtuza expressed his 'annoyance' when asked for his comment on the unauthorised construction. "There are so many other things including the Rajuk corruption to write about, why ask whether the BUET sought any clearance or not, " Murtuza said.

He however said by tradition the BUET has never sought permission for any construction within the campus from Rajuk.

Dhaka University is another semi-autonomous institution that has never bothered to seek permission for construction work. Over the last ten years, the DU authorities have built a dozen structures in the campus, which are unauthorised as per the law of the land.

The Ministry of Public Works and Housing sources said that in 1997 it had sought immunity from seeking the Rajuk approval for construction but the cabinet committee turned down its prayer observing, "every one should seek Rajuk approval prior to launching a construction."