Postogola Maha Shamshan to be modernised

Postogola Maha Shamshan (crematorium) is being modernised at a cost of around Tk 1 crore. Dhaka South City Corporation has taken this initiative to meet a long-time demand of the city's Hindu community.

DSCC Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh inaugurated the development work of the crematorium on November 9.

DSCC has directed contractor M/s Khorshed Enterprises to complete the work within the next 14 months.

The crematorium will be developed over an area of about 1.25 acres.

Postogola Maha Shamshan sees the highest number of cremations in the country. It was founded way back in 1876, when influential zamindar Babu Gobindra Chandra Datta donated a piece of his land for the purpose.

In 1993, an electric furnace for cremation was installed at the site, but that remained unused after its initial three-month-long operation.

Although the furnace was converted to a gas-based system around 13 years ago in 2008, it has not been in use for a single day.

Leaders of the National Crematorium Committee have been calling for the crematorium's renovation and modernisation for a long time.

Around 80 bodies are cremated in this crematorium every month. Arrangements are there for those of the Hindu faith who have to be buried.

According to DSCC sources, a single-storey building covering 2,772 square feet, an office room, male and female toilets both indoors and outdoors, an electric furnace room, a gas furnace room, an equipment room, a balcony, and a public gathering place, among other facilities, will be constructed.

Apart from this, the whole area will be improved with the provision of high-quality LED lights, the construction of septic tanks and soak wells, and the renovation of circular furnaces and drainage systems.

DSCC executive engineer (zone-5) Saiful Islam Joy said, "According to the master plan of the crematorium, an electric and a gas furnace will be built. However, gas or electricity will not be supplied for now, as it is expensive and time-consuming. We will ensure the supply in future if needed."

After inaugurating Postogola Maha Shamshan's development work, Taposh said, "We have undertaken this programme by ensuring all facilities and assessing the needs. We hope that the renovation work will be completed soon."

"During the construction, cremation activities will be carried out through an alternative system. We will also arrange work for those who live here," he added.