SC clears way for demolishing century-old laboratory bldg
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court yesterday cleared the way for demolition of the century-old laboratory building located at Khamarbari in Farmgate area of the capital. In response to a government plea, the five-member bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Justice Md Abdul Wahhab Miah, who is now performing functions of the chief justice, stayed a High Court order that imposed ban on demolition and removal of the old building at Khamarbari. After disposing of a leave-to-appeal plea filed by the government against the High Court order, the apex court also directed the High Court to clear and dispose of the rule issued by it over the legality of the building demo lition as early as possible. After the apex court order, Deputy Attorney General SM Moniruzzaman told media that there is no legal bar now to demolish and remove the old building at Khamarbari following the Supreme Court order.
He also said that the government would construct a new structure there after demolishing the old building. The Public Works Department (PWD) had started knocking down the two-storey building in late October.
Around three years ago, the PWD declared risky the colonial-era structure that used to house the offices of the Cotton Development Board, the custodian of the building, and also the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). The board shifted its office from there one and a half years ago and the DAE about four years back.
Following the partition of Bengal, the centre for agricultural extension services was transferred to Dhaka, and the laboratory building was constructed in 1909 to facilitate scientific research on crops. The PWD authority suspended their demolishing work following the HC order that had on October 31 imposed a ban on the demolition work and issued a rule in this regard.
