TSC will not be demolished

The main structure of the Student Teacher Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University is not being demolished, instead, it will be renovated.

The decision was taken at a meeting between the university authorities and representatives of the Public Works Department at the senate building of Dhaka University on Sunday.

A source present at the meeting told The Business Standard (TBS) another meeting will be held in four weeks and the final decision will be taken in this regard. A 10-storey building will be constructed in place of the existing swimming pool of the TSC.

Acting Chief Engineer of Dhaka University Abul Kalam Sikder told TBS they liked the design presented by the Public Works Department, keeping the TSC intact, as suggested at the last meeting.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman, additional engineer of Public Works Department and other officials took part in the meeting.

The recent news that a multi-storey building will be constructed by demolishing the TSC caused backlash among former and current teachers and students of the university and eminent figures.

Leaders of student organisations, including many students and teachers of the university, opposed the demolition of the TSC, calling it a "beautiful example of modern architecture."

Prominent economist and former professor of economics at Dhaka University Wahiduddin Mahmud wrote on Facebook, "All the reputed universities of the world are identified by some structures bearing heritage. Although they are hundreds of years old, they are carefully preserved. Curzon Hall, SM Hall and TSC are such structures of Dhaka University. The TSC is a beautiful example of relatively modern architecture built in the sixties."

He also wrote, "The TSC carries the tradition of cultural activities of the university in the pre-independence period of Bangladesh. Instead of maintenance, it is being demolished and multi-storied buildings are being constructed. Economists are wrongly criticised for understanding the market value of everything, but not the real value of anything!"

Greek architect Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis designed the TSC of Dhaka University in the early sixties of the last century. He kept in mind the traditions of rural settlements in Bangladesh in terms of design.

The Public Works Department started discussions in October last year to increase the number of teachers and students in the university and to modernise the TSC as per the needs of the time.