Bangladesh

BGMEA Bhaban demolition work starts

Staff Correspondent
BGMEA Bhaban in Dhaka. Prothom Alo File Photo
BGMEA Bhaban in Dhaka. Prothom Alo File Photo

The demolition work of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association building (BGMEA Bhaban) in the Hatirjheel area in capital formally started on Wednesday, reports UNB.

Housing and public works minister SM Rezaul Karim inaugurated the work around. Tearing down the building will take six months, he said.

“All illegal establishments beyond the layout of Hatirjheel project will be removed gradually,” the minister added.

Housing and public works minister SM Rezaul Karim (2nd R) poses for a photo after inaugurating the demolition work of BGMEA Bhaban in Dhaka on 22 January 2020. Photo: UNB

The BGMEA Bhaban stands on a critical spot in Dhaka, blocking the flow of water between Hatirjheel and Begunbari canal.

In 2011, the High Court ordered its demolition, dubbing it a ‘cancer’, as the building was constructed in defiance of relevant laws.

Earlier on 2 April 2018, the Supreme Court granted BGMEA one more year (until 12 April last year) for the demolition work following a leave-to-appeal after giving an undertaking.

Read More