Metro Rail Realignment
'Save JS complex'
Different environmental and professional groups stage a token hunger strike in front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the city yesterday demanding steps to save Sangsad complex from the possible damage due to realignment of metro rail route.Photo: STAR
Undermining the sanctity and aesthetic value of the Sangsad Bhaban complex by the realignment of proposed metro rail route to save the abandoned Tejgaon airport is unacceptable, said noted professionals and civil society leaders at a hunger strike yesterday. The token hunger strike was jointly organised by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) and Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela) at the south plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. It was organised to save the Sangsad complex, Ispahani Islamia Eye Hospital and Anwara Park from the possible damage due to the realignment of metro rail route. As metro rail is a vital transport facility for the people, the government's move to take it into the Sangsad complex is unfortunate, said Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, vice-president of Bapa. "Sangsad Bhaban is the symbol of the country's sovereignty and democracy and the architecture of it is extraordinary," he said adding, "Spoiling it to save an abandoned airport is unacceptable." The 400-acre Tejgaon airport in the heart of the city must be turned into a civic centre, otherwise it would bring a colossal disaster to public life if there is any war, he said. It is also unethical to maintain a military strategic installation in the dense human settlement, said Said Mubasshar Hussein, president of IAB. The government is going ahead with the realignment of metro rail along the Sangsad complex, a listed heritage site, bypassing Nagar Unnyan Committee that controls development within 250 metres of such a site in the city, he added. Bangladesh Air Force objected to Bijoy Sarani section of the elevated metro rail on the plea that it would hinder air operation at Tejgaon airfield and pressed for its diversion along Sangsad Avenue through Khamarbari. Technical experts said the realignment would encroach significantly upon the Sangsad complex, a world-famous architectural marvel by Louis I Kahn. Shahdeen Malik, a noted lawyer, who took part in the demonstration, said a democratic government would have addressed the public concern over the Sangsad complex. But unfortunately, the government has not done so, he added. Prof Muzaffer Ahmad, president of Bapa, Wakilur Rahman, director of Dhaka Art Centre, Golam Rahman, president of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Mahmudul Haq Manna of Nagorik Committee, architects Rabiul Hussein and Abu Sayeed M Ahmed also spoke.
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