Decision to demolish BGMEA bldg in Hatirjheel...

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers' and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Bhaban

HatirJheel wet land

West end of Hatirjheel wet land near 'Panthakunja'

Eskaton highrise overlooking Hatirjheel, wetland digging

Encroachment of wetland

Construction machines for Hilton hotel

Works on tower for fixing Hilton hotel bill board


Land filling for BTMA site on Begunbari canal

Begunbari canal and surrounding wet land

Begunbari canal near Rampura

Canal passing through Aftabnagar housing area

Filling of wet land on both sides narrowing the canal

Rangs Tower on Bijoy Sarani

LGRD and Cooperatives adviser Anwarul Iqbal said that the 15-storey Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers' and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Bhaban, built on a water retention area in Hatirjheel area that drains out water through Begunbari canal outside Central Dhaka, may be demolished as it did not have ‘Rajuk’ approval, also like the ’Rangs tower’s blocking Bijoy Sarani road.

In mid 80’s, Hatirjheel and Begunbari canal, which ran from the backside of the present Sonargaon Hotel to Gulshan, was thought to be designated as a flood-flow zone in the Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan for development of a large planned water body with facilities of water sports, boating and promenade on sides. But, much of the wetland is now under occupation of several powerful agencies.

One acre of land in the canal towards the east of the Sonargaon Hotel was handed over to the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at a token price and Sonargaon hotel has taken massive extension work in the south, narrowing the wetland. Apart from BGMEA Bhaban, Brac, Aarong, and other local land grabbers upto Gulshan, soon-to-be-built in Hatijheel area are the Hilton Hotel and BTMA building.

It is reported in local dailies that Rangs Bhaban was built during the Ershad regime. When BNP was in power from 1991-1996, it took an initiative to demolish the building, but failed. Awami League during its 1996-2001 regime also took an initiative to demolish the building but also failed.