Abandoned govt. buildings

Many old government offices, warehouses, staff quarters and half-constructed structures now lie abandoned in both urban and rural areas. Once built with public funds to serve administrative or social purposes, these establishments have been left unused for years due to poor planning, lack of maintenance, or changes in policy priorities. As a result, prolonged exposure to rain, storms, humidity and harsh sunlight has caused extensive damage to walls, roofs, doors and windows, turning valuable public assets into crumbling liabilities. This represents not only financial loss but also a serious failure in public resource management.
More alarming, however, is the social cost of such abandonment. These deserted buildings are increasingly being used as safe havens for anti-social and illegal activities. Media reports and local accounts suggest that drug abuse, gambling, smoking, and other immoral gatherings frequently take place in these locations, away from public scrutiny. In some cases, abandoned premises have even been linked to serious criminal incidents, including violent crimes, which have heightened fear and insecurity among nearby residents. Their isolated nature also makes them convenient hiding places for criminals, further undermining local law and order.
The continued neglect of these structures sends a troubling message about governance and accountability. To protect public property and ensure community safety, urgent steps must be taken.
Besides, instead of allowing them to decay, the authorities should prioritise renovating or reconstructing these buildings and putting them to productive use. They could be converted into schools, training centres, community clinics, libraries, or social welfare facilities, depending on local needs. Such measures would not only safeguard public assets but also contribute to social development, employment generation, and crime prevention. Effective utilisation of abandoned government buildings is therefore both an administrative necessity and a social responsibility.

Sheikh Sultana Meem
Student
English Department , Eden Mohila College
sheikhsultanameem@gmail