Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) today warned that the earthquake-damaged building at Kasaituli in Dhaka’s Bangshal will be sealed if the owner fails to submit its design and approval papers within seven days.

The warning came from Rajuk Chairman Md Riazul Islam, who visited the damaged structure this morning following the collapse of a railing during yesterday’s earthquake that led to the deaths of three people.

During the inspection, he said the owner of the affected building had failed to produce any approved design or construction papers. Rajuk does not approve building plans for plots smaller than one katha, he added.

Rajuk also announced a wider plan to identify all risky buildings across Dhaka and take necessary action.

“Those who are constructing buildings illegally, we are disconnecting their utility metres. Yet, some continue building using stolen metres or generators,” the Rajuk chairman said.

Highlighting the vulnerability of Old Dhaka, he said most buildings in the area are hazardous, with many six- or seven-storey structures erected on plots on one katha or less without approval.

He urged residents to consider demolishing unsafe or ageing high-rise buildings constructed on small plots and to rebuild jointly where possible.

“If several plots are combined to build a single structure, residents may face some immediate loss. But the new building will compensate for that loss and bring greater benefit. With the permitted height and facilities, they will not be financially disadvantaged,” he said.

A seven-member Rajuk team visited the site after a section of the building’s railing collapsed during yesterday’s 5.7-magnitude earthquake, killing four people. Four others remain under treatment at Mitford Hospital.

At least ten people were killed in the quake, which struck Dhaka and several other districts. Four deaths were reported in the capital, five in Narsingdi — the epicentre — and one in Narayanganj.