Facade of heritage bldg being demolished to make walkway

A portion of century-old Chowdhury Bari including the main gate on Sadar Road in Barisal city is being demolished as the city corporation has decided to construct pavement there. Photo: STAR

Barisal City Corporation (BCC) has started demolishing the main gate of century-old Chowdhury Bari building on Sadar Road two days ago to construct footpath and drain beside the road.
The gate was the entrance of a two-storied stately building owned by Khan Bahadur Ismail Chowdhury, a renowned Zamindar of the region.
The premises also included a nahbatkhana, a katchari and a rich library.
When contacted, a senior official of Archaeology Department said they are unaware of BCC's decision to demolish the gate with archaeological value.
Eminent citizens of Barisal have expressed grave concern over the 'mindless act'.
“Khan Bahadur Ismail Chowdhury was involved with many socio-cultural-educational activities of the city. He was the founder of Halima Khatun Girls School. And so the places related him should be preserved,” said Manabendra Batabyal, convener of Barisal conscious citizen committee.
“Decency of the historic building will be spoiled if the gate is demolished. The building is in good condition," Shamina Chowdhury, grand daughter of Ismail Chowdhury, told The Daily Star over cell phone.
Old buildings and monumental structures like the house of Ismail Chowdhury should be preserved with full architectural decency as has been done in case of Aswini Kumar Hall and Collectorate Building. With preservation of such buildings, we can marvel at the accomplishments of our ancestors," said cultural personality Mintu Bose.
The gate should be renovated and its architectural beauty should be preserved if possible, said SM Imanul Hakim, an eminent teacher of history at Barisal BM College.
Admitting the fact of demolishing the gate, BCC Executive Engineer Abdul Motaleb said, “After completing the construction work, the BCC will construct a gate on that premise for safety and security of the residents.”