"The file on the project has remained shelved for the last three years and nowadays no one talks about it anymore. So you can easily understand that there is little prospect of fund allocation for this project," said an official.

Six years ago the then Awami League government took the initiative to construct the complex beside the graveyard of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Under the plan, the complex would have a museum, a library and a research centre on the works of Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone of the complex on May 25, 1999 at the graveyard compound beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque.

The authorities concerned had approved architect Mazharul Islam's design of the complex and estimated a budget of two crore Taka. However, there was no guideline about how the funds would be obtained.

The Dhaka University authorities last year promised to start construction work of the Nazrul Complex from this year but so far no concrete steps have been taken towards that goal.

"Every year with the arrival of Nazrul's birth or death anniversary, the complex issue is raised. But as the day passes by, everyone forgets about it," said Rashedul Hasan, treasurer of DU.

DU tried to collect funds initially by requesting the public to donate through advertisements. But there was hardly any response.

"We were amazed at the public apathy. It is impossible to arrange the entire amount on our own," said the treasurer.

"The complex is not enlisted in the Annual Development Progaramme (ADP) and there has been a lack of coordination between the authorities concerned. These are the reasons why we failed to get the special allotment," Hasan added.

Sources at the ministry meanwhile, said that because of the unplanned steps taken by the university authorities, the funds could not be mobilised.

When contacted Selima Rahman, state minister for cultural affairs said that she would look into the present status of the project and take necessary action as soon as possible.