Use Unesco guidelines to protect Lalbagh Fort

Green activists yesterday demanded conservation of Lalbagh Fort as per the guidelines of Unesco, since the authorities concerned dismantled a portion of the historic fort's boundary wall to set up a parking lot.

They made the demand at a discussion at Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba) office in the capital.

The speakers said destroying the original nature of the historical structure built in Mughal era to set up parking space is a shameful occurrence for the nation, a violation of the article 24 of the constitution, the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules 2008, and directives of the High Court.

They asked the government to take legal actions against the officials of the Department of Archaeological involved in destruction of the archaeological site.

Representatives from 17 green, social and professional organisations, including Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) and Green Mind Society, took part in the discussion.

Poba Chairman Abu Naser Khan, advocate Syed Mahmubul Alam of WBB Trust, president of Poribesh Unnayan Society Nazrul Islam, architect Sajjadur Rashid and president of the International Tourism Confederation Ashiqur Rahman, among others, spoke at the discussion.