Conserve colonial heritage buildings selectively
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said conservation of British-era buildings should be selective.
“What heritage…we slaved for the British… I do not think we need to protect their heritage...I do not think there is any need to preserve any building of the British regime that is now in a deplorable condition. There is no need to preserve all the red buildings,” she said.
The prime minister, however, said some eye-catching, attractive buildings might be preserved considering the architectural aspects and historical importance.
Hasina also said some people might be hurt hearing her comments. “But this is what I think,” she said, adding that people of this land fought against the British rule and gave blood to free themselves.
The prime minister was delivering her introductory speech at the housing and public works ministry at Bangladesh Secretariat as part of her visit to all ministries to see the progress and development activities.
She directed the ministry's officials concerned to develop a proper housing system following a “master plan” in the capital, divisional cities, districts and upazila towns so that no new slum area was created.
The government wants to make sure that no one remains homeless, she said.
Hasina also asked to ensure the highest enforcement of existing laws, including Bangladesh National Building Code, in building construction.
The proper plan and housing system is to ensure that no arable land is used for other purposes, she said, adding that otherwise this would ultimately create pressure on the country's food security.
She also urged to keep in mind the family size, population and utility services, including gas, electricity and water consumption to be required and sewerage system in the areas, while planning for flats.
Terming hospital waste dangerous for public heath, Hasina asked the authorities concerned to make sure, while giving permission for hospital construction, that each one has its own waste management system.
The prime minister also criticised setting up universities in small buildings. “The image of a university that comes to your mind is absent now. You can find more than one university in a small building,” she regretted.
Hasina said Suhrawardy Udyan was historically important and asked the authorities concerned to complete the project there, including the construction of Shadhinata Tower and an underground museum.
She also urged to further improve and modernise Hatirjheel area.
Hasina also asked to be careful on approving high-rise apartment construction so that footpaths and nearby spaces cannot be used as entrance corridors.
Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain was present.
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