Demolition of Sylhet’s historic 'Minister Bari' halted until Sunday amid public outcry

The Department of Archaeology has ordered a temporary halt to the demolition of the historic "Minister Bari," a heritage structure located in Sylhet city's Pathantula area, until Sunday (26 October) amid protests by locals and activists.

Md Omar Faruk, research assistant at the department, issued the directive this morning (24 October) during his inspection of the site.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the architecturally impressive building was sold for just Tk18 lakh to a scrap dealer, who has since begun dismantling it with the help of labourers.

The demolition of the heritage site sparked outrage in Sylhet, with locals and activists protesting the move. 

Following the protests, officials from the Department of Archaeology visited the site and ordered a suspension of the work. 

Environmental activists and architects were present during the inspection.

History

The house was built by lawyer, educationist and politician Abdul Hamid, who was a member of the Assam Legislative Council and served as education minister in British India. After 1947, he was also the education minister of East Pakistan until 1954. 

The residence earned the name "Minister Bari" because of his position.

This image shows workers engaged in demolishing Sylhet's historic 'Minister Bari'. Photo: TBS

The house once hosted several notable figures, including Pakistan's founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq and poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Abdul Hamid passed away in 1963.

Abdul Hamid's sister Hafiza Banu was the mother of lawyer Abu Ahmad Abdul Hafiz and grandmother of former finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith and former foreign minister AK Abdul Momen.

Heritage

During today's visit, Abdul Hamid's grandson Anisul Islam was on the premises. 

He said, "The building has become uninhabitable. The roof leaks, and we have other houses behind this one, so we have no choice but to demolish it. 

"It pains us to do so, but there is no alternative."

Workers engaged in the demolition said it would take two to three months to complete the process.

The house, built on approximately 81 decimals of land, is believed by some to be over a century old, although the exact date of construction is unknown. 

Ashraful Kabir, coordinator of the environmental group Bhumisontan Bangladesh, said, "This house is part of Sylhet's history and heritage. Instead of demolishing it, it could have been turned into a museum. Family members themselves could have taken the initiative to preserve it."

Architect Rajon Dash, who was also present during the inspection, said, "We are discussing whether there is any way to save this house. The archaeology department's researchers are also looking into it."

Locals also expressed sorrow and frustration over the demolition of the aesthetically beautiful and historically significant structure.