Dhaka: A team of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) has started the process to demolish Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) building constructed illegally on the Hatirjheel canal.

The team, including members of law enforcement agencies, along with necessary equipment took position in front of the 16-storey building to start demolition works on Tuesday morning, reports the UNB.

Al preparations have been taken to demolish the building, said RAJUK director (Admin), Khandakar Oliur Rahman.

‘We have given them [institutes that are housed in the building] two-hour time to remove their valuables,’ he added.

Later, the gas, electricity and other utility service will be cut off.

Meanwhile, RAJUK on Monday night sent a letter to Hatirjheel project director for taking steps for demolishing the building following a High Court order.

In 2011, the High Court ordered demolition of the 16-storey building as it was constructed in defiance of relevant laws, calling it a ‘cancer’ in the lake.

Earlier on April 2 2018, the Supreme Court granted BGMEA one more year (until April 12, 2019) for demolishing following a leave-to-appeal after giving a undertaking.

The 15-storey BGMEA Bhaban stands on a critical spot in Dhaka, blocking the flow of water between Hatirjheel lake and Begunbari canal.