Fencing to spoil beauty
The Parliament Secretariat has embarked on a plan to cage the Sangsad Bhaban complex with iron fence to “ensure security”.
Public Works Department is implementing the project in which 8.5-foot high iron fences would be set up on three sides of the complex -- South Plaza and the lawns in the east and the west -- replacing an existing four-foot high barrier.
They have already dug up trenches to install the fence at a cost of Tk 9.5 crore to prevent “miscreants” and “security threats” to the parliament complex, officials said.
ASM Ismail, former chief architect of Bangladesh, said security with iron barrier was ridiculous as it does not guarantee protection against potential threats or any sabotage attempt.
Close circuit surveillance cameras and other high-tech security system are usually used across the world to secure important establishments, he said.
The lawns in the east and west and the south plaza must remain open to people as per the master plan of the parliament complex, he said, adding that the existing barrier was adequate to prevent unwanted entry of stray animals.
An additional secretary of the Parliament Secretariat said the iron fence was necessary to stop incidents of theft, robbery and nuisance inside the complex particularly during the night. The Speaker, deputy speaker, chief whip and six whips live inside the complex, the official said.
“We apprehend that armed assailants may overpower the unarmed security personnel deployed there,” the official said, adding, “We also want to prevent unauthorised entries.”
Thousands of guests gather on the parliament premises to attend night-time wedding ceremonies and “they do not pose any security threat”, the official said.
Mubasshar Hussain, former president of Commonwealth Association of Architects, said, “This is an uncivil way and futile attempt to protect an architectural marvel and symbol of national identity.” He said, “It only shows foolishness of the initiative.”
Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, president of Institute of Architects Bangladesh, said the entire South Plaza was dedicated for the people and contact between the parliament and the people.
Any visitor, including foreigners, could enter the German national parliament even during sessions, he said. Despite the 1987 grenade attack at the Sri Lankan parliament, there was no physical barrier put in place there, he said, adding that its security personnel are so efficient that they instantly caught him when he tried to take a photo in 2004 popping out of a blind spot.
A committee led by the deputy speaker around three years ago told the government that a 10-foot high solid boundary wall with a three-foot barbed wire on top was required.
The issue was placed before the Nagar Unnayan Committee for a decision, said Mubasshar Hussain, who was then a committee member.
The committee viewed that no physical barrier could be advisable but it had to give in to the insistence of the parliament authorities.
World famous architect Louis I Kahn designed the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on 200 acres of land in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and it was inaugurated in 1982.
According to eminent architect Shamsul Wares, the parliament building is an epic masterpiece of architecture. In his view, the building is one of the world's best works of all times in terms of greatness in the use of space and light.
Despite repeated attempts over the mobile phone, neither the Speaker nor his deputy could be reached for comments.
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