Press Release
Dhaka, 20 August 2026: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA)’s hurried initiative to construct a residential building on 114 kathas of land in Gulshan, Dhaka, based on a proposal from a privately owned housing company without following due process, describing the initiative as one that could facilitate land grabbing. The irregular and unethical proposal should have been rejected outright immediately upon receipt. Instead, under the pretext of considering the proposal, a corrupt and collusive process has been initiated to hand over WASA’s land allocated by RAJUK to a housing company owned by an influential individual associated with the ruling party. TIB has called for the immediate withdrawal of this process.
In a statement issued today, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “WASA is a government institution, and naturally, ownership of all its assets rests with the people. Any activity involving the use of such public assets is expected to be carried out through a transparent, open and participatory process, including the invitation of tenders. However, apparently taking into consideration the political influence of a particular company, WASA has taken the initiative to construct a WASA building on a vast property in a strategically important location in one of the capital’s most affluent areas, based on that company’s unsolicited proposal. This is a clear violation of the relevant laws and policy framework. Moreover, instead of rejecting the proposal outright, as should have been done, WASA has, within a very short period, formed a committee and undertaken a token process in the name of considering the proposal, thereby effectively becoming complicit in the proposing company’s alleged scheme to grab the land. Such conduct is in no way acceptable. I urge the relevant higher authorities to take note of the matter, immediately cancel this initiative, and ensure a proper investigation into it.”
Referring to the Dhaka WASA Managing Director’s statement that “the proposal is still at the preliminary stage and that the next steps will be taken in the interest of Dhaka WASA, rather than under any kind of pressure,” Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “An initiative has been taken to hand over land leased from RAJUK to a private housing company in the name of developing the property, even though RAJUK is reportedly unaware of the matter. This essentially raises concerns about manipulation by vested interests and the pursuit of particular group interests. If state property is used in this manner to serve vested interests and generate private profit, it would set a highly undesirable precedent. Furthermore, some members of Dhaka WASA’s performance support committee have reportedly expressed their objections to the initiative. We draw the attention of the relevant authorities to this matter. Furthermore, if WASA intends to construct a building or undertake any development on the land in the interest of the institution, we expect that, after duly assessing the justification for such a development, it will make a decision through an open, transparent and participatory tender process, in accordance with the existing policy framework and with a view to safeguarding the best possible interests of WASA. At the same time, we strongly urge the relevant authorities to ensure an appropriate environment in which the institution can take a decision on the matter free from any political or administrative pressure, fear or influence.”
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
