Law enforcement personnel helping employees remove office materials from BGMEA Bhaban at Hatirjheel in the city on Tuesday ahead of the demolition of the building — FE photo by KAZ Sumon The Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) finally on Tuesday started the process of demolishing the much-talked-about BGMEA Bhaban, which was built in Hatirjheel area of the city in violation of the law.
The Rajuk's move came following a long legal fight with the BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) over removal of the 15-storey building.
In the morning, Rajuk officials along with law enforcers came to the Bhaban premises with bulldozers to tear down the multi-storied commercial building, but found it was still occupied by some offices.
The Rajuk officials then gave some time to these offices to shift their belongings. They even extended the time thrice, and finally sealed off the building at about 7:00pm.
Talking to reporters, Rajuk Director (administration) Khandker Oliur Rahman said they have started the process of demolition by removing the belongings of some offices still occupying the building floors.
"Removal of the official setup from the building is a part of the demolition work," he said.
Mr Rahman also said they would start knocking down the giant structure after the removal of all belongings of the offices and that Bangladesh Army personnel and Chinese experts will assist in the demolition activities.
Responding to a question, he said the High Court gave a deadline -- April 12, 2019 -- for relocation of the offices. But they could not proceed because of recent government holidays.
"Now, we're fully ready to bulldoze the building built illegally on the Hatirjheel lake," he said.
Project Director of the Hatirjheel Project ASM Raihanul Ferdous said they would disconnect utility services like power, water and gas after all valuables from the building are shifted elsewhere.
"Then, we'll start the demolition of the commercial complex," he said.
He also said they hired Chinese experts who have already visited the building.
"We don't want to see a repeat of the tragedy that took place during the demolition of Rangs building at Bijoy Sarani in the city," he added.
The project director also said they would bring down the BGMEA building in a controlled demolition by using explosives.
During a visit to the building in the day, banks and other offices located in the building were found too busy shifting furniture, computers and other valuables out of the building.
The BGMEA has already moved most of its assets and offices to its new building at Uttara Sector 17, which was inaugurated by the prime minister on April 03.
On April 02 in 2018, the BGMEA secured a final time extension from the apex court for demolition of the building for a year and 10 days and the deadline was April 12 this year.
On October 02, 2010, the media published a report that the BGMEA building on Begunbari Khal adjoining Karwanbazar was constructed without the approval from Rajuk.
On the following day, the High Court issued a rule as to why the BGMEA will not be ordered to demolish the building.
On April 03, 2011, a High Court bench gave an order to bring down the BGMEA building. During the hearing, the BGMEA was asked to dismantle the building with its own finance.
The BGMEA authority filed 'leave to appeal' against the order after receiving the full copy of the High Court verdict, but the petition was dismissed on June 02 in 2016.
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