The President of UIA, Jaime Lerner's recent letter to the Prime Minister coincides with the resumption of construction work on the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker's residence, which was stopped on May 23, 2003 following a High Court ruling to stop all construction work at the site of the Parliamentary Complex.

On August 18, the Appellate Division stayed the High Court ruling allowing construction work to continue for three months ---- enough time to complete the residential structure on a Complex regarded worldwide as an architectural marvel designed by one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, Louis I Kahn.

Lerner, in his letter to the Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia expressed concern on behalf of the architects of the world regarding proposed alterations and additions to the Parliament Complex designed by Louis I Kahn.

He said that the Parliament Complex, one of Kahn's greatest creations, has surpassed its own qualities as an outstanding building, as an engineering and architectural achievement, to become far more than this, an icon of a city and of a whole nation. "For this circumstance, it has become a treasure for humanity which we should protect and preserve," he said.

Lerner urged the Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to extend her support "in protecting this unique complex that has become a landmark of modern architecture and a symbol of your magnificent country'.

Defying the original master plan of Louis I Kahn, the government took up the construction work of the residence of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the national parliament in October 2002. Following the decision, general people, architects, historians, engineers, artists and environmentalists took to the street in protest and demanded cancellation of the three-crore-taka project. The government was forced to stop the construction work temporarily on October 31 but resumed work on the site in December. Amid regular protest rallies and appeals the defiant authorities continued work on the building claiming that the famous architect had envisaged such a structure in his original master plan.

The Institute of Architect, Bangladesh (IAB) and the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon filed a writ in May seeking stay order on the construction on the basis that such an unplanned intervention on such an internationally reputed Complex might jeopardise its chance to be considered as being a World Heritage site.

At the site of the construction yesterday, it was found out that the contractor had engaged 'double the manpower' to complete construction of the unplanned building within weeks rather than months.

Officials of the IAB yesterday expressed their 'grief' at the Appellate Division verdict and said justice was denied to the people of this country. Several other organisations have vowed to continue protesting the construction of the residential building.