BGMEA Bhaban demolition work starts

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.

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.