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Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (Parliament House)
Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban (Bengali: জাতীয় সংসদ ভবন Jatio Shôngshod Bhôbon) is the National Assembly Building of Bangladesh, located in the capital Dhaka. It was created by architect Louis I. Kahn and is one of the largest legislative complexes in the world. It houses all parliamentary activities of Bangladesh.
Historical information
There have been nine national elections in Bangladesh. The first and second Parliaments used the Old Shangshad Bhaban, which currently serves as the Prime Minister's Office. Construction of the Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban began in 1961 by the Government of Pakistan as a permanent building for the federal legislature of both West and East Pakistan. However, it was the eighth (and last) session of the second parliament of Bangladesh that first used it on 15 February 1982 after its construction was completed on 28 January of the same year. The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban has been in operation and has acted as the sole complex used as the National Assembly ever since. Jatiya Shangshad was designed by Louis Kahn. First, Muzharul Islam was given to design Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban by the government. But, Islam brought his teacher Louis Kahn into the project to do a signifant work for future generation. But, Muzharul Islam assisted Kahn at the project.
Data
- Beginning of construction: 1961
- Cost of construction and design: Tk. 129 crore or 1.29 billion (=1,290,000,000)
- Inauguration: 28 January 1982
- Architect: Louis I. Kahn
- Total area: 200 acres (800,000 m²)
- Location: Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Number of Parliaments: 7 (seven)
- GIS coordinates: 23.762465°,90.378545°
Architecture and design
Louis Kahn designed the entire Jatiyo Sangsad complex, which includes lawns, lake and residences for the Members of the Parliament (MPs).Location and basic layout
The enclave, situated in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, is bounded by four major streets:- Lake Road to the North;
- Rokeya Sarani to the East;
- Manik Mia Avenue to the South; and
- Mirpur Road to the West.
- The Main Plaza: 823,000 square feet (76,000 m²)
- South Plaza: 223,000 square feet (21,000 m²)
- Presidential Plaza: 65,000 square feet (6,000 m²)
The main building is at the center of the complex. The outer parts of the complex include the MP hostel. An intricately designed lake surrounds the main building.Design philosophy
Kahn's key design philosophy optimizes the use of space while representing Bangladeshi heritage and culture. External lines are deeply recessed by porticoes with huge openings of regular geometric shapes on their exterior, shaping the building's overall visual impact.In the architect Louis Kahn's own words:
| “ | In the assembly I have introduced a light-giving element to the interior of the plan. If you see a series of columns you can say that the choice of columns is a choice in light. The columns as solids frame the spaces of light. Now think of it just in reverse and think that the columns are hollow and much bigger and that their walls can themselves give light, then the voids are rooms, and the column is the maker of light and can take on complex shapes and be the supporter of spaces and give light to spaces. I am working to develop the element to such an extent that it becomes a poetic entity which has its own beauty outside of its place in the composition. In this way it becomes analogous to the solid column I mentioned above as a giver of light. It was not belief, not design, not pattern, but the essence from which an institution could emerge... | ” |
Bangladesh National Museum
The Bangladesh National Museum (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ জাতীয় যাদুঘর), originally established on 20 March 1913, albeit under another name, and formally inaugurated on 7 August 1913, was accorded the status of the national museum of Bangladesh on 17 November 1983. It is located Shahbag, Dhaka. The museum is well organized and displays have been housed in several departments like department of ethnography and decorative art, department of history and classical art, department of natural history, and department of contemporary and world civilization. The museum also has a conservation laboratory.
Ground floor
The ground floor consists of some old guns in the entrance and the hall where the people book their tickets or assemble to hear the history of the museum. The hall leads to a grand staircase. Beside the hall there is a smaller room which also acts like the hall (it is also used by the guides to tell the visitors about the history) and a simple staircase.
1st floor
The 1st floor is divided into 22 rooms.
1st room
The first room consists of a large map showing the map of Bangladesh and the 64 districts.
2nd room
The 2nd room consists of an under going work of a large statue of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
3rd-10th room
These rooms consists of natural beauties found in Bangladesh. In one of the room there is showcase of a tongue of a whale.
10th-22nd room
The other rooms contains some historic relics of Bengal up to 1900. There is a room which shows the different boats used by the rural people.
2nd Floor
The 2nd floor consists of photos of famous people and showcases the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Language Movement of 1952. There are posters used in the war, a torture machine and much more. There are also two libraries.
3rd Floor
The 3rd Floor consists of Pictures of International politicians, artists, scientists, famous pictures and three international galleries- Korean, Iranian and Swiss.:: Ahsan Manjil, :: Lalbagh Fort, :: Central Shahid Minar
Ahsan Manjil
Built in 1872 and standing on the river Buriganga, this stately building offers the visitors a feeling of the life-style of the Nawabs of Dhaka. Sometimes known as the Pink Palace, this building now houses a splendid museum.
Basically, it was the residence of the Nawabs. Nawab Abdul Gani renovated this building in the year 1872 and named it after his son Khaza Ahasanullah.
On the bank of river Buriganga in Dhaka the Pink majestic, Ahsan Manjil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is an epitome of the nation's rich cultural heritage.
Todays renovated Ahsan Manjil a monument of immense historical beauty.
Todays renovated Ahsan Manjil a monument of immense historical beauty.
It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying of traits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.
Open 9 am- 5 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 3-5 pm on Friday. Thursday is close.
Open 9 am- 5 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 3-5 pm on Friday. Thursday is close.
Lalbagh Fort
The fort of Aurangabad, popularly known as the Lalbagh Fort, was built in 1678 AD by the then Viceroy of Bengal Prince Mohammad Azam, son of the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. The fort has a three storied structure with slender minarets at the South Gate. It has many hidden passages and a mosque of massive structure. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh Fort are the Tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady) and Audience room and Hummam Khana (bathing place) of Nawab Shaista Khan, now housing a museum.The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 spays stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces. It is one of the great historical places of Mughal era. A small museum is there in this fort where you will find the clothes and weapons of the Mughols.
Lalbagh fort is in the old town of Dhaka at Lalbagh. It is open 10 am-5 pm Sunday to Friday & Saturday is closed.
Lalbagh fort is in the old town of Dhaka at Lalbagh. It is open 10 am-5 pm Sunday to Friday & Saturday is closed.
The capital city Dhaka predominantly was a city of the Mughals. In hundred years of their vigorous rule successive Governors and princely Viceroys who ruled the province, adorned it with many noble monuments in the shape of magnificent places, mosques, tombs, fortifications and 'Katras' often surrounded with beautifully laid out gardens and pavilions. Among these, few have survived the ravages of time, aggressive tropical climate of the land and vandal hands of man.
But the finest specimen of this period is the Aurangabad Fort [commonly known as Lalbagh Fort], which indeed represents the unfulfilled dream of a Mughal Prince. It occupies the southwestern part of the old city, overlooking the Buriganga on whose northern bank it stands as a silent sentinel of the old city. Rectangular in plan, it encloses an area of 1082' by 800' and in addition to its graceful lofty gateways on southeast and northeast corners and a subsidiary small unpretentious gateway on north, it also contains within its fortified perimeter a number of splendid monuments, surrounded by attractive garden. These are a small 3-domed mosque, the mausoleum of Bibi Pari the reputed daughter of Nawab Shaista Khan and the Hammam and Audience Hall of the Governor. The main purpose of this fort was to provide a defensive enclosure of the palatial edifices of the interior and as such was a type of palace-fortress rather than a siege fort.
Central Shahid Minar
Symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A new approach needed to develop Bangladesh’s tourism sector
There should be no doubt, national as well as international; the Bangladesh tourism sector has indeed potential. This is the profound conviction of Majbritt Thomsen, a Danish expatriate with a MA in Tourism, two years of living and travelling in Bangladesh. In contact with a variety of people related to the Bangladeshi tourism sector, she has done a study on the potential of the national tourism. In her point of view, a major barrier to a positive development of the national tourism sector is the lack of a consistent strategy-based on cooperation, knowledge and sustainability.
She thinks, to take advantage of the Bangladeshi tourism potential, the right actions are needed from all players involved. Individual tourism providers must constantly increase their awareness on customer demands and travel trends to develop desired products. Furthermore, all players related to tourism must cooperate to diminish the general industry obstacles in areas of marketing, management, infrastructure, policy, safety, regulation, image, destination development, etc.
Last but not the least; the government must play an active role in tourism management, policy-making and decision-making, to promote growth that respects both business needs and the well-being of citizens, she opined.The presence of tourism in any destination always brings with it environmental and socio-cultural as well as economic impacts. This is why tourism internationally is often praised as an effective development tool, especially in rural areas and the developing world. A sustainable tourism strategy would have a major positive impact on the Bangladesh society.
The challenges of the Bangladeshi tourism sector is by far unique, so why not be inspired by the success and experience of others, she asked.Majbritt Thomsen observed that tourism has since the 1990s been a small but rapidly growing sector of the Bangladeshi economy. Nevertheless, Bangladesh is still one of the countries in the South Asian region with the least arrivals and the lowest revenue earned from the tourism industry.
She quoted from Lonely Planet in support of her view. Last year Lonely Planet, which is the absolute world leader of publishing travel guides and guidebooks, recommended Bangladesh as one of the top ten interesting travel destinations in 2009. The country introduction by Lonely Planet is unplayable in terms of national image branding:
Let’s get this straight from the start. Bangladesh is not a country of disappointment as portrayed in ‘Brick Lane’ or by the international media, nor is it merely the poorly endowed cousin of India. Instead Bangladesh is a revelation that actually leaves India looking a little worse for a wear. Any visitor who ventures here will return home with stories so improbable that claiming you have a pet unicorn is likely to be met with fewer disbelieving shakes of the head.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sundarbans
The Sundarbans (Bengali: সুন্দরবন, Shundorbôn) is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world.[1] The name Sundarban can be literally translated as "beautiful jungle" or "beautiful forest" in the Bengali language (Sundar, "beautiful" and ban, "forest" or "jungle"). The name may have been derived from the Sundari trees that are found in Sundarbans in large numbers. Alternatively, it has been proposed that the name is a corruption of Samudraban (Bengali: সমুদ্রবন Shomudrobôn "Sea Forest") or Chandra-bandhe (name of a primitive tribe). But the generally accepted view is the one associated with Sundari trees.
The forest lies in the vast delta on the Bay of Bengal formed by the super confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers across Saiyan southern Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. The seasonally-flooded Sundarbans freshwater swamp forests lie inland from the mangrove forests on the coastal fringe. The forest covers 10,000 sq.km. of which about 6,000 are in Bangladesh.[2] It became inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997, but while the Bangladeshi and Indian portions constitute the same continuous ecotope, they are separately listed in the UNESCO world heritage list as the Sundarbans and Sundarbans National Park, respectively. The Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans is estimated to be about 4,110 km², of which about 1,700 km² is occupied by waterbodies in the forms of river, canals and creeks of width varying from a few meters to several kilometers.
The Sundarbans is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. The interconnected network of waterways makes almost every corner of the forest accessible by boat. The area is known for the eponymous Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), as well as numerous fauna including species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes. The fertile soils of the delta have been subject to intensive human use for centuries, and the ecoregion has been mostly converted to intensive agriculture, with few enclaves of forest remaining. The remaining forests, pain together with the Sundarbans mangroves, are important habitat for the endangered tiger. Additionally, the Sundarbans serves a crucial function as a protective barrier for the millions of inhabitants in and around Kolkata against the floods that result from the cyclones that are a regular occurrence on this coast. Sundarbans have also been enlisted amongst the finalist in the New7Wonders of Nature.
Flora
The Bangladesh mangrove vegetation of the Sundarbans differs greatly from other non-deltaic coastal mangrove forest and upland forests associations. Unlike the former, the Rhizophoraceae are of minor importance. Differences in vegetation have been explained in terms of freshwater and low salinity influences in the Northeast and variations in drainage and siltation. The Sundarbans has been classified as a moist tropical forest demonstrating a whole mosaic of seres, comprising primary colonization on new accretions to more mature beach forests, often conspicuously dominated by Keora (Sonneratia apetala) and tidal forests. Historically three principal vegetation types have been recognized in broad correlation with varying degrees of water salinity, freshwater flushing and physiography and which are represented in the wildlife sanctuaries:
Sundari and Gewa occur prominently throughout the area with discontinuous distribution of Dhundul (Xylocarpus granatum) and Kankra. Among grasses and Palms, Poresia coaractata, Myriostachya wightiana, Imperata cylindrica, Phragmites karka, Nypa fruticans are well distributed. Keora is an indicator species for newly accreted mudbanks and is an important species for wildlife, especially spotted deer (Axis axis). Besides the forest, there are extensive areas of brackish and freshwater marshes, intertidal mudflats, sandflats, sand dunes with typical dune vegetation, open grassland on sandy soils and raised areas supporting a variety of terrestrial shrubs and trees.
Succession is generally defined as the successive occupation of a site by different plant communities.[16] In an accreting mudflats the outer community along the sequence represents the pioneer community which is gradually replaced by the next community representing the seral stages and finally by a climax community typical of the climatic zone.Troup suggested that succession began in the newly accreted land created by fresh deposits of eroded soil.
The pioneer vegetation on these newly accreted site is Sonneratia, followed by Avicennia and Nypa. As the ground is elevated as a result of soil deposition, other trees make their appearance. The most prevalent, though one of the late species to appear, is Excoecaria. As the level of land rises through accretion and the land is only occasionally flooded by tides, Heritiera fomes begins to appear.
Mangrove plants live in hostile environmental conditions such as high salinity, hypoxic (oxygen deficient) waterlogged soil strata, tidal pressures, strong winds and sea waves. To cope up with such a hostile environment mangroves exhibit highly evolved morphological and physiological adaptations to extreme conditions.
The answer is no. Mangroves are facultative halophytes, i.e., the presence of salt in the environment is not necessary for the growth of mangroves and they can grow very well in freshwater. One particular advantage to growing in a salty environment is the lack of competition! Only a limited number of plants have invested evolutionary energy into adapting to intertidal conditions. In the optimum conditions of a tropical rainforest, diversity is great and competition fierce.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Curzon Hall
Curzon Hall, Dhaka University. Laid out in a spacious and carefully maintained garden, this double storeyed brick building has a large central hall, lateral wings on the east and west with several rooms, and a continuous verandah on all sides.
History
Curzon Hall meant to be a town hall, was named after Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, who laid its foundation in 1904. A year later Bengal was partitioned and Dhaka or Dacca as it was known then, became the capital of the newly created province of East Bengal and Assam. Following the annulment of partition in 1911 it was used as a premise of Dhaka College, and after the establishment of the University of Dhaka in 1921, became part of the university's science section and continues as such.
During the Language Movement, Curzon Hall was the location of significant events. In 1948, Mohammad Ali Jinnah declared Urdu to be the only state language of Pakistan. Students of Dhaka University opposed it and in Curzon Hall, they declared their opposition to Jinnah's planned about state language policy.
Architecture
One of the best examples of Dhaka's architecture, it is a happy blend of European and Mughal elements, particularly noticeable in the projecting facade in the north which has both horse-shoe and cusped arches. The style combined traditional art with modern technology and functions and favoured Mughal forms such as arches and domes, believed to have entered the Islamic world from the west. It marks the casting aside of veiled power after the Sepoy Revolt of 1857, and India's passing directly under the British Crown, seeking legitimacy by linkage to the Mughals. The red colour substituting for red sandstone, and the ornate brackets, deep eaves, and domed terrace pavilions (chhatris), specially of the middle section are strikingly reminiscent of the small but well-known Diwan-i-Khas in the palace fortress of Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar's capital between 1570 and 1585. Not only were both cities new capitals, but the deliberate choice of the Fatehpur Sikri style may be explained by the fact that the British favoured Akbar as the wisest and most tolerant of all the Mughals, feeding into the ideal of their own role in India.
National Museum of Science and Technology in Bangladesh
The National Museum of Science and Technology in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was established in 1966 by the government of Pakistan. It was first based in the Dhaka Public Library building, after which the museum moved a number of times before it was established in its permanent home in 1981.
The library at the museum is filled with books and journals on a variety of subjects that are of interest to scientifically-minded individuals. It is also publishes “Nabin Biggani”, a popular quarterly science magazine specifically designed to encourage young people to enjoy the marvels of science.
Tourists who travel to Bangladesh should make a point of visiting Dhaka and join the many locals who enjoy exploring the National Museum of Science and Technology.
The museum aims to preserve the innovative work of local scientists while encouraging the younger generation of scientists to explore the endless possibilities that their scientific knowledge opens up to them. Displays are arranged to show the rapid advancement of science and technology throughout humankind’s existence. Regardless of their background, age or education level, citizens of Bangladesh are encouraged to visit the National Museum of Science and Technology to increase their knowledge and broaden their outlook, with the focus on the beneficial effect that the advancement of science and technology has on the world.
The National Museum of Science and Technology in Bangladesh is divided into three categories: Technology, Biological Science and Physical Science. With the emphasis on education, the museum has galleries with static and working exhibits, as well as models, diagrams, charts and animated posters. The exhibits provide detailed information concerning experiments and inventions in a number of fields including electricity, light, heat, magnetism, communication, sound, as well as motion, force and energy.
Displays of the various rocks and minerals highlight some of the countless wonders of planet Earth. A pictorial record of the history and advances made in space travel, leading up to the first moon landing and beyond, gives visitors the opportunity to reflect on how extraordinarily vast the universe is and how much more there is still to discover. A fascinating diorama of dinosaurs brings to mind the unanswered question of what caused these prehistoric creatures to become extinct. A pictorial representation of the various sea creatures that live at different depths of the ocean gives visitors insight into the incredible diversity of life beneath the waves.
The National Museum of Science & Technology plays an essential role in organizing National Science Week which is sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology. This offers individuals and groups from different schools, colleges and science clubs the opportunity to display models and projects with the possibility of receiving a prize. National Science Week has proven to be very successful in fueling the imaginations of science enthusiasts, resulting in some innovative projects.The library at the museum is filled with books and journals on a variety of subjects that are of interest to scientifically-minded individuals. It is also publishes “Nabin Biggani”, a popular quarterly science magazine specifically designed to encourage young people to enjoy the marvels of science.
Tourists who travel to Bangladesh should make a point of visiting Dhaka and join the many locals who enjoy exploring the National Museum of Science and Technology.
Mukti Juddha Museum
Bangladesh Liberation War, also referred to as Mukti Juddha, began on 26 March 1971 and ended nine months later on 16 December 1971 . Bangladesh India West Pakistan , which would later become Pakistan Bangladesh East Pakistan . Not many people are aware of the full extent of the war, the suffering of the Bangladeshi people and the emotional scars left after their bitter sweet victory. Those who lived through the war tell their stories in the hope that the sacrifices made by ordinary people will not be forgotten.
It is also for this reason that the Mukti Juddha Museum was established, as monument to those who fought and those who lost their lives. Both soldiers and civilians sacrificed themselves, or were caught in the crossfire of the war. Thousands died, and the Mukti Juddha Museum Bangladesh Mukti Juddha Museum Bangladesh
On 22 March 1996 , the museum opened its doors to the public and it was overrun by local and international visitors who wanted to learn all there is to know about the Bangladesh Liberation War. The museum building is a double story structure that took extensive renovation before being able to house the museum. There are six galleries that look specifically at certain periods, such as the first gallery that concentrates on Bengali relics of ancient times, while the second gallery focuses on the years 1947 to 1970. The first wave of freedom fighting is captured in documents and on photographs in the third gallery, with the forth gallery looking at Bangladesh
There are more than ten thousand pieces in the museum’s collection, consisting of photographs, items used by soldiers during the war and various interesting and thought-provoking exhibits. A small bookstore sells a range of publications in regard to the war and refreshments are served under massive permanent outdoor umbrellas. The Mukti Juddha Museum
Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
Bangabandhu memorial museum is situated at road no. 32 Dhanmondi R/A. The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been turn in to a museum.
It contains rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime. This three- stored building as known as Bangabandhu Bhaban. This building turned in to a museum in year 1997. It's open 10am to 6pm from Thursday to Tuesday, Wednesday closed.
Bangladesh National Museum
Bangladesh national museum is situated in shahbag. Located at the central point of the city. The museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods as well as inscriptions of the Holy Quran in Arabic and Persian letters and Bengali works in the Arabic script.
 [national museum] | The museum also has a rich collection of old coins, metal images, books on art, silver filigree works etc. Though established in 1913 it was refurbished and opened in the year 1983. Its open from Friday to Wednesday, 9 am to 6 pm. Your mind must be going to the old era when you visit this museum. |
Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban
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Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban | |
Type | |
Architectural style | Modern |
Structural system | Reinforced concrete |
Location | |
Started | 1961 |
Completed | 1982 |
Cost | Tk 1.29 billion (=1,290,000,000) |
Architect | |
Historical information
There have been nine national elections in Construction of the Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban began in 1961 by the Government of Pakistan as a permanent building for the federal legislature of both West and
Jatiya Shangshad was designed by Louis Kahn. First, Mazharul Islam was given to design Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban by the government. But, Islam brought his teacher Louis Kahn into the project to do a signifant work for future generation.
Data
The parliament building at night
- Beginning of construction: 1961
- Cost of construction and design: Tk. 129 crore or 1.29 billion (=1,290,000,000)
- Inauguration:
- Architect: Louis I. Kahn
- Total area: 200 acres (800,000 m²)
- Location: Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka,
- Number of Parliaments: 7 (seven)
- GIS coordinates: 23.762465°,90.378545°
History of use by Parliament
Seven Parliaments, including the current one led by Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister, have used the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban as the assembly building:- Second Parliament: 2 years 11 months (
- Third Parliament: 1 year 5 months (
- Fourth Parliament: 2 years 7 months (
- Fifth Parliament: 4 years 8 months (
- Sixth Parliament: 12 days (
- Seventh Parliament: 5 years (
- Eighth Parliament: 5 years (
Architecture and design
Close view of the building
Louis Kahn designed the entire Jatiyo Sangsad complex, which includes lawns, lake and residences for the Members of the Parliament (MPs).Location and basic layoutThe enclave, situated in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, is bounded by four major streets:
- Rokeya Sarani to the East;
- The
- Presidential Plaza: 65,000 square feet (6,000 m²)
Design philosophy
Kahn's key design philosophy optimizes the use of space while representing Bangladeshi heritage and culture. External lines are deeply recessed by porticoes Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban
Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban | |
Type | |
Architectural style | Modern |
Structural system | Reinforced concrete |
Location | |
Started | 1961 |
Completed | 1982 |
Cost | Tk 1.29 billion (=1,290,000,000) |
Architect | |
Historical information
There have been nine national elections in Construction of the Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban began in 1961 by the Government of Pakistan as a permanent building for the federal legislature of both West and
Jatiya Shangshad was designed by Louis Kahn. First, Mazharul Islam was given to design Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban by the government. But, Islam brought his teacher Louis Kahn into the project to do a signifant work for future generation.
Data
The parliament building at night
- Beginning of construction: 1961
- Cost of construction and design: Tk. 129 crore or 1.29 billion (=1,290,000,000)
- Inauguration:
- Architect: Louis I. Kahn
- Total area: 200 acres (800,000 m²)
- Location: Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka,
- Number of Parliaments: 7 (seven)
- GIS coordinates: 23.762465°,90.378545°
History of use by Parliament
Seven Parliaments, including the current one led by Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister, have used the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban as the assembly building:- Second Parliament: 2 years 11 months (
- Third Parliament: 1 year 5 months (
- Fourth Parliament: 2 years 7 months (
- Fifth Parliament: 4 years 8 months (
- Sixth Parliament: 12 days (
- Seventh Parliament: 5 years (
- Eighth Parliament: 5 years (
Architecture and design
Close view of the building
Louis Kahn designed the entire Jatiyo Sangsad complex, which includes lawns, lake and residences for the Members of the Parliament (MPs).Location and basic layoutThe enclave, situated in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, is bounded by four major streets:
- Rokeya Sarani to the East;
- The
- Presidential Plaza: 65,000 square feet (6,000 m²)
Design philosophy
Kahn's key design philosophy optimizes the use of space while representing Bangladeshi heritage and culture. External lines are deeply recessed by porticoes with huge openings of regular geometric shapes on their exterior, shaping the building's overall visual impact.In the architect Louis Kahn's own words:
“ | In the assembly I have introduced a light-giving element to the interior of the plan. If you see a series of columns you can say that the choice of columns is a choice in light. The columns as solids frame the spaces of light. Now think of it just in reverse and think that the columns are hollow and much bigger and that their walls can themselves give light, then the voids are rooms, and the column is the maker of light and can take on complex shapes and be the supporter of spaces and give light to spaces. I am working to develop the element to such an extent that it becomes a poetic entity which has its own beauty outside of its place in the composition. In this way it becomes analogous to the solid column I mentioned above as a giver of light. It was not belief, not design, not pattern, but the essence from which an institution could emerge... | ” |
Source: Louis I. Kahn. from Heinz Ronner, with Sharad Jhaveri and Alessandro Vasella Louis I. Kahn: Complete Works 1935-74. p236, 238.
The lake on three sides of the Bhaban, extending up to the Members' hostel adds to site's aesthetics and also portrays the riverine beauty of The assembly building received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1989.
The Bhaban (Main Building
The Bhaban consists of nine individual blocks: the eight peripheral blocks rise to a height of 110' while the central octagonal block rises to a height of 155'. All nine blocks include different groups of functional spaces and have different levels, inter-linked horizontally and vertically by corridors, lifts, stairs, light courts, and circular areas. The entire structure is designed to blend into one single, non-differentiable unit, that appears from the exterior to be a single story.The main committee rooms are located at level two in one of the peripheral blocks. All parliamentary functionaries, including Ministers and chairpersons of some of the Standing Committees, have offices in the Bhaban. The Parliament Secretariat also occupies offices in the same building.
The Main Plaza
The artificial lighting system has been carefully devised to provide zero obstruction to the entry of daylight. A composite chandelier is suspended from parabolic shell roof. This chandelier in turn consists of a metallic web, spanning the entire chamber, that supports the individual light fixtures.
Upper levels of the block (that contains the Chamber) contain the visitor and press galleries, as well as communication booths, all of which overlook the Parliament Chamber. The block also contains:
- at level one, a library;
- at level three, MPs’ lounges; and
- at the upper level, party rooms.
The South Plaza
The - controlling gates;
- a driveway;
- a main mechanical plant room;
- a large car parking space;
- a telephone exchange;
- offices of maintenance engineers;
- equipment stores; and
- an open plaza with steps and ramps leading directly to the main building.
Presidential Plaza
The Presidential Plaza lies to the North and faces the Tourism and accessibility
Although entrance to the Bhaban, the The Complex can be accessed using any of the four roads surrounding it, however, the
Gallery
Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban during sunrise:
 |
Current developments
During the government term that took office on 28 October 2001 , the Government communicated plans to "complete Louis Kahn's plans" by constructing residences for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. According to some prominent architects, no such plan existed in the original design. Although the construction was started, it was halted and the issue is as of yet unresolved.
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To achieve a sustainable tourism development in Bangladesh all players related to the national tourism sector must join forces and act united. If this does not happened, it is difficult to obtain long term positive developments, which will most likely result in negative consequences for nature, culture, people, society, country and the tourism industry.
Even the tourists have a responsibility to influence this development. They need to demand and buy sustainable tourism products as well as act responsibly when travelling.
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