More than a decade after authorities identified dozens of dangerous buildings in Barishal, many remain occupied, exposing thousands of people to the risk of a potentially catastrophic collapse every day.
According to Barishal City Corporation (BCC), 35 privately owned buildings were declared hazardous and abandoned in 2014 following inspections conducted in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza disaster in Dhaka. The Public Works Department (PWD) has also identified seven government buildings as dangerous.
Twelve years later, only seven privately owned buildings have been demolished, leaving 35 hazardous structures still standing across the city.
Among the most alarming are a 207-year-old building housing the Barishal Divisional Museum and a 130-year-old court building where thousands of litigants, lawyers and court officials gather daily.
Despite visible structural deterioration and repeated warnings, both buildings are still in use as demolition and relocation efforts remain stalled by lengthy administrative procedures.
The Barishal Divisional Museum is located just a short distance from the Barishal City Corporation headquarters. The severely deteriorated building is at risk of collapse, yet museum officials, employees and visitors continue to use the premises every day.
Assistant custodian of the museum, Md Arifur Rahman said the building was first declared abandoned and unfit for use in 1979. In 2003, however, it was declared a protected archaeological heritage site and subsequently underwent limited renovation.
He said the western portion of the building is now particularly dangerous and visitors have already been barred from entering that section. An inspection team has submitted its report, but museum authorities have not yet been informed about any further course of action.
He added that recent earthquakes had caused additional cracks in the structure. The western side has subsided, steel beams have shifted from the roof and dampness has severely damaged the walls.
Court building under similar threat
A similar situation exists at the Civil Court building in the Barishal court complex.
The 130-year-old building currently houses eight courtrooms of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court and handles around 20,000 cases. Thousands of litigants, lawyers and visitors enter the building every day despite concerns over its structural condition.
Court officials say chunks of plaster frequently falls from the ceilings and parts of the building shake, raising fears among judges, lawyers and court users.
Court Nazir Kamrul Hasan said three district judge-ranked judges regularly hold court in the building.
“More than 2,000 people come here every day. Minor incidents have already occurred, but judicial activities continue because there is no alternative accommodation,” he said.
Another court official, Nazir Syed Mainul Hasan, said the Public Works Department had already inspected the building and the matter had been communicated to the relevant ministry.
Demolition delayed despite repeated notices
Within the 58-square-kilometre area of Barishal city, hazardous buildings are primarily overseen by the Barishal City Corporation and the Public Works Department. Of the 42 dangerous buildings identified—35 under the city corporation and seven under the Public Works Department—only seven privately owned buildings have been demolished over the past 12 years.
“We have held several meetings with the owners of the 28 other risky buildings and sent them letters last December. None of them responded,” State Officer of Barishal City Corporation Md Shakil Ahmed said.
Lengthy legal process blamed
Public Works Department officials attribute the delays largely to legal and administrative procedures.
Executive Engineer Faisal Alam said a technical committee must first inspect a building before unanimously declaring it hazardous.
After that, a survey report is prepared and must receive approvals through several administrative levels, including, where necessary, the relevant ministry or head of the organisation.
“Only after all approvals are obtained can we invite tenders and proceed with demolition. These procedures cannot legally be bypassed,” he said.
He added that once a building is declared condemned, it is also declared unfit for use.
“If anyone continues using such a building despite the declaration and an accident occurs, responsibility does not rest with us,” he said.
Despite growing public concerns, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department says it is prepared to respond to building collapse incidents.
Deputy Director Md Manikuzzaman said the department now has the capability to conduct firefighting operations in buildings up to 16 storeys high and possesses sufficient rescue equipment for earthquake-related emergencies.
Authorities say legal complications remain one of the biggest obstacles to removing dangerous buildings. In some cases, buildings classified as vested property cannot legally be demolished because the law prohibits altering their original form.
Barishal City Corporation said steps were being taken to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
