Interim govt following footsteps of previous administration: Anu Muhammad
The current government initially promised to re-evaluate projects left behind by the previous administration, but this has not been done, he says
Economist Professor Anu Muhammad has criticised the interim government, saying it is following the same path as the previous regime.
Speaking at a press conference today (20 September), organised by the Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement, he said, "The government advisers have begun speaking in the same tone as former ministers and bureaucrats, defending projects initiated by the previous administration."
The press conference demanded the cancellation of the Elevated Expressway project from FDC to Palashi, which, according to the group, would destroy Panthakunja Park and the Hatirjheel reservoir.
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Anu Muhammad said the mass uprising against the previous government was fuelled by widespread arbitrariness.
"People expected all institutions, including the courts, to function freely. The current government initially promised to re-evaluate projects left behind by the previous administration, but this has not been done," he added.
Giti Ara Nasreen, professor of mass communication and journalism at Dhaka University, stressed the environmental damage caused in the area over decades.
"I have lived in the Dhaka University area for almost 40 years and witnessed the destruction carried out in the name of development. Projects like the metro station have encroached on sensitive spaces, affecting educational institutions such as Dhaka University, Buet, and Eden College. This section of the expressway should be cancelled to protect students and preserve the educational environment," she said.
HC bans Elevated Expressway construction work over Panthakunja Park, Hatirjheel
Shayer Gafur, professor of architecture at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), criticised the involvement of foreign companies in the project, saying that "some corrupt actors in the country are enabling them to commit these misdeeds."
Adil Muhammad Khan, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, said the added ramp in the expressway project was designed solely for corporate profit.
"An elevated expressway that benefits only private car owners in a densely populated area is a suicidal decision. It will harm both life and nature and further reduce livability," he said.
Constitutional Reform Commission member Firoz Ahmed condemned ongoing work in Hatirjheel and Panthakunja Park despite clear High Court orders.
He warned that the project threatens open spaces used by residents of Kathalbagan and Kalabagan, putting them at risk during disasters such as earthquakes and fires.
Amirul Rajib, coordinator of the Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement, said that despite a 168-day sit-in and repeated letters to the government, no action had been taken.
"We filed a writ petition, and the court ordered a halt to construction. Yet the elevated expressway authorities continue to disobey the court. We urge the interim government to re-evaluate the project, cancel the FDC-Palashi connection road, and restore the natural environment," he said.
Naeem Ul Hasan, another coordinator of the platform, accused the project of fostering corruption. "State policies have been violated, and non-profitable projects are being made profitable through financial manipulation," he said.
