"The demolition of Rangs Bhaban is waiting for a court order. After getting the order we'll start other procedures to demolish the Bhaban," said Industries Adviser Geeteara Safiya Choudhury yesterday.

She was speaking at a seminar on 'National Budget for 2007-08: What's in the basket for SMEs' as the chief guest.

On April 21, Council of Advisers gave unanimous opinion in favour of demolishing the building on Bijoy Sarani crossing.

A case on the disputed building was pending with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

Geeteara blamed the previous governments for haphazard condition of the residential areas of the capital city where so many commercial institutions are located.

"Initially there was lack of coordination among the offices concerned," she said.

Mainul Hosein
Our staff correspondent adds: Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein also said the government could not demolish the Rangs Bhaban due to legal complications.

The 22-storey Bhaban would be demolished after the disposal of two writs pending before the court in this regard, he told reporters at his secretariat office yesterday.