It has transpired that the list of the allotees has been published without the approval of the ECNEC. This deviation from the official procedure indicates that the men in charge of handling the project were not particularly worried about the infraction. Then more than one member of a family got plots in clear violation of the rules laid down by Rajuk itself. Rajuk employees not eligible for such plots have also managed to make their way into the final list of allotees.

What is particularly worrying is that the beneficiaries of violation of rules include lawmakers and ministers. That certainly adds to the widespread apprehension that the entire process was manipulated by the elements having political clout.

Regrettably, allotment of Rajuk plots had created controversy in the past, with politicisation of the allotment process being the principle charge that the authorities faced. The situation is not very different this time around.

What does all this boil down to? Will there never be a fair allotment process free from manipulation and unholy influence?

Allotment of plots in Uttara was cancelled not long ago because it smacked of favouritism, political or otherwise. But it seems the ingredients, including political influence, for an opaque allotment under a housing project have retained their potency.

Since several irregularities are being alleged about the allotment process, the government needs to investigate the matter with a view to establishing accountability in the distribution of plots. Such a step is warranted not only in the interest of genuine applicants, but also to make sure that people do not lose their confidence in the public sector housing projects, after all that has happened in recent years.