They also called on the government to refrain from filing an appeal against the court verdict to show respect to the popular demand of the people.

The rally was organised jointly by Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) and Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) at Shahbagh crossing in the city.

The speakers called upon the government to declare immediately the Sangsad Bhaban premises a National Heritage as per the verdict of the High Court.

They also called for government initiative to declare the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and its adjacent areas as World Heritage through the Unesco.

The High Court in its verdict declared the under-construction residences of Speaker and Deputy Speaker illegal as they violate the original design of Louis I Kahn, the world famous architect.

The court issued the verdict following a writ petition filed by Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) and Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA).

The speakers said the Sangsad Bhaban is a pride of the country and it has made Bangladesh well-known to the architects around the world.

We shall have to protect this prestigious work through our united efforts, said the speakers.

IAB President Mobashwer Hossain said a photo of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban was used in the cover of a book titled 'A history of Architecture' edited by Spiro Kostoff, a renowned critic of architecture.

BAPA General Secretary Abu Naser Khan said the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is one of the greatest architectural piece in the world.

A human chain was also formed on this occasion.

People from different ages and over 200 representatives from various organisations with banners and festoons participated in the human chain.