Dilapidated relics cast a long shadow over justice at Amtali court

BARGUNA, Dec 25 (UNB): Two crumbling buildings, relics of a bygone era, have become a looming threat to nearly 20,000 people who frequent the Amtali Upazila Senior Judicial Magistrate Court in Barguna district.

Built more than half a century ago, the abandoned structures now stand as silent hazards, shedding bricks and cement onto a passage used daily by litigants, lawyers and court staff.

A recent visit to the site paints a troubling picture. The narrow main entrance to the court runs directly between the two decaying, two-storey buildings, forcing thousands of visitors each day to pass beneath unstable walls. Chunks of masonry have already fallen, heightening fears that a sudden collapse could trigger a serious disaster.

The buildings were constructed in 1975 by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) to store machinery and equipment.

Around 15 years ago, the local administration declared them abandoned. Since then, neglect has taken its toll. Weeds and creepers now blanket the walls, giving the structures a haunted appearance that unsettles court-goers even before they step inside.

Concerns over safety have been raised repeatedly by those who use the court.

"Every day, thousands of people come and go through the court entrance at their own risk," said Md Abubakar, a member of the court staff, adding, "These buildings are extremely vulnerable and could collapse at any moment, causing severe casualties."

Justice seekers share the same anxiety.

Abdul Majed Master, who regularly visits the court, said the structures are not only an eyesore but a grave danger. "These abandoned buildings spoil the image of the court and pose a serious risk to life. They must be evicted immediately," he said.

Former local ward councillor Jannatul Ferdous echoed the concern, warning that the hazardous condition of the buildings undermines the dignity of the court and endangers everyone passing through its entrance.

District Bar Association member and additional public prosecutor Jasim Uddin added that the administration has been informed several times about the risks, but no effective action has followed. "The removal of these abandoned buildings should be expedited to safeguard the lives of litigants and lawyers," he said.

Officials, too, acknowledge the urgency. Syed Mohayminul Islam, deputy assistant engineer of Amtali BADC, expressed surprise at the prolonged inaction.

"I don't understand why they haven't been removed yet," he said, stressing that the matter requires immediate attention.

Local Government Engineering Department official Md Idris Ali said the issue would be reviewed, assuring that steps would be taken promptly if the buildings remain officially listed as abandoned.

Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Muhammad Zafar Arif Chowdhury told UNB that the structures would be removed as soon as possible, following due procedure.