‘A win for the environment’

Environmentalists yesterday termed the demolition of the much-talked-about BGMEA building a symbol of action against illegal structures that were constructed filling waterbodies or open spaces.

“This demolition will remain an example against illegal construction and filling up waterbodies,” said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, chief executive of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela).

Rizwana said she hopes the government will take highest safety measures during its demolition work, so that safety of workers are ensured.

The government will also have to take necessary measures so that the environment of adjoining areas is protected.

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) -- the capital’s development authority -- finally began demolition of the illegal Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) building yesterday, after around a decade of its construction.

Abu Naser Khan, chairman of Poribesh Bachao Andolon, said it is a victory of the movement for saving the environment.

This will give a message to encroachers that they will not remain safe and may come under demolition even after decades, he said.

Sharif Jamil, general secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa), said the BGMEA building was “a symbol of disgrace” of two major political party leaders, as one of them had given approval, and another inaugurated the illegal building.

But it is also the example of removing the stigma through its demolition, he said.

“We hope that government will take steps at the beginning of construction of illegal structures, so that they do not have to take steps to demolish those later,” he said.

Urging the government to bring encroachers to book, Sharif said those who remain involved with encroachment and construction of illegal buildings do not face any punishment.

Iqbal Habib, joint secretary of Bapa, said there is a concern regarding the method being used to demolish the building.

The authorities did not take the alternative of controlled demolition concept, which would protect biodiversity and the environment, he said.

Iqbal said the chances of waterlogging and traffic congestion and risks relating workers’ safety have increased due to the manual demolition method.

He, however added that waterlogging of a vast area of western side of Hatirjheel will be solved after the demolition.

He said it will also be possible to make this side a perfect extension of Hatirjheel through introducing water bus on that side.

“It is going to be a milestone in the process of our resistance against illegal encroachment of waterbodies or open spaces,” Habib said.