Explain why it's not national heritage: HC

The High Court (HC) yesterday asked the government to explain why it should not be directed to declare Uttara Gonobhaban in Natore as a national heritage.

The bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahasan and Justice KM Kamrul Kader issued the rule following a writ petition filed by Advocate Farjana Sharmin Putul, seeking necessary orders in this regard. 

The bench also asked the authorities to show causes why they should not be ordered to refrain from bringing structural changes to the building in the name of renovation.

Uttara Gonobhaban was once the royal palace of the maharajas of Dighapatia in Natore.

It is now the provisional official residence of the head of government in the northern region.

On July 24, 1967, the palace was renamed as Dighapatia Governor House by the governor of East Pakistan.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the palace as Uttara Gonobhaban on February 9, 1972.