Crumbling before its inauguration
Cultural activists of Barishal yesterday organised a human chain and rally to protest irregularities in construction of the divisional Shilpakala Academy. They demanded immediate handover of the building.
They gathered in front of Ashwini Kumar Hall, speaking out against delays in construction. Barishal Sangskritik Sangathan Samonoy Parishad organised the programme, and Kajal Ghosh, the organisation's president, presided over the protest.
The speakers said that although foundation stone of the building was laid in 2015, its construction work has not been completed in five years. Besides, the auditorium's ceiling is currently crumbling. Speakers called for formation of an inquiry committee to inspect all irregularities.
According to Shilpakala Academy sources, in 2015, then cultural minister Asaduzzaman Noor laid foundation for the academy. Construction was supposed to be done within two years. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the academy building on February 8, 2018. But even after these years, construction has not been completed.
The construction company has also stopped related work. Meanwhile, parts of the auditorium's ceiling collapsed several times in the last week of September, claimed District Cultural Officer Hasan Maksud.
He said the academy building was to be handed over in June, 2017. According to the project, an open stage, art gallery and a 500-seat auditorium would be constructed. But the work period was extended repeatedly.
On December 26, 2019, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid visited the under-construction building and asked the project officer and contractor to complete work within February 28, 2020.
"But those instructions were ignored by the contractor, and the whole building is now abandoned as work is halted," he added.
Many components of the academy, such as fans and air-conditioners, toilets, furniture and elevators, have not been installed yet.
Khorshed Alam -- managing director of Infinity Engineering Ltd, contractor for the project -- said due to the pandemic, construction work has been disrupted. There were also delays for extra work outside of the original project plan. They are quickly repairing the ceiling.
The original cost of the project was Tk 19.86 crore, which was later increased to Tk 23 crore. Authorities are trying to hand over the project as soon as possible, said Mainur Rahim, the project director.
Kajal Ghosh said Shilpakala Academy is the lifeblood of cultural activities, but construction work was not completed in five years due to negligence. Consequently, cultural activities are being disrupted and cultural activists are being deprived of various ceremonies to celebrate Mujib Year.
"The ceiling had collapsed due to poor-quality work. We demand an inquiry into this,'' he added.
SM Ajiar Rahman, deputy commissioner of Barishal, urged authorities to hand over the building immediately.
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