Organisational activities of the Shibaloy Upazila unit of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad have been severely disrupted as its office building has remained in a dilapidated condition for years, local freedom fighters said.
They said the abandoned building has become unusable as its tin roof has developed holes due to rust, plaster from the walls keeps falling off and rainwater enters the rooms even during light showers. Important documents are also at risk of damage.
The building was officially declared abandoned four years ago due to safety concerns, but no effective steps have yet been taken to construct a new office. Freedom fighters of Shibaloy have now demanded a modern freedom fighters’ complex at the same site.
Shibaloy Upazila Muktijoddha Sangsad convener Bir Muktijoddha Alhaj Dr Syed Jalal Uddin said the condition of the building had become extremely risky.
“Water enters the office during slight rain. Four years ago, I installed some pillars with my own money, but the upper wooden structures have now become weak. Lizards, rats, pigeons and cockroach waste often fall from the ceiling,” he said.
He warned that the weak structures could collapse at any time and cause a major accident. He said the issue had already been brought to the attention of the Shibaloy Upazila Nirbahi Officer and the Manikganj-1 lawmaker.
Of the 204 freedom fighters in Shibaloy, 98 are still alive, he said, demanding immediate construction of a new building to restore normal activities of the organisation.
Manikganj district unit convener of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Bir Muktijoddha Md A Mannan said construction of a new building had been delayed due to legal complications over the land.
“Initially, the Shibaloy Upazila convener has been asked to rent another room to continue organisational activities. Once the land-related complications are resolved, steps will be taken to construct a new building,” he said.
Shibaloy Upazila Nirbahi Officer Monisha Rani Karmaker said some freedom fighters had discussed the matter with her during Victory Day and Independence Day programmes, but they did not contact her afterwards.
She said new freedom fighters’ complexes had been built in many upazilas across the country and a new building could be constructed in Shibaloy after resolving the legal issues over land.
Manikganj-1 lawmaker S A Jinnah Kabir said no one had contacted him or submitted any application regarding the issue so far.
He said he was not aware of the current committee structure of the Shibaloy Upazila Muktijoddha Sangsad. “If the freedom fighters approach me, a proper solution can certainly be arranged,” he added.
