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Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban

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The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is the national Parliament house of Bangladesh. It is located in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar within the city of Dhaka.

2.জাতীয় সংসদ ভবন
2.জাতীয় সংসদ ভবন

This massive complex is one of the largest legislative sites in the entire world. It serves as the central location where lawmakers meet to govern the nation. The building is a major architectural landmark and a powerful symbol for the Bangladeshi people.

The history of the complex began under different political circumstances. In 1959, Ayub Khan took power in Pakistan through a military coup. He wanted to address political and economic differences between East and West Pakistan. He declared Dhaka as the country's second capital. He decided to build a modern legislative complex there to satisfy the people of East Pakistan. The government asked architect Muzharul Islam for help with this massive project. Islam recommended hiring world-class architects for the task. He eventually contacted Louis Kahn, who had been his teacher at Yale University.

Louis Kahn submitted his first design for the building in 1960. The government approved these plans and acquired the land in 1961. Construction officially began in 1964. However, the project faced a major interruption during the 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh. During this conflict, the building's construction stopped completely. The constituent assembly of Bangladesh had to govern from the Prime Minister's Office instead. After independence, the third Mujib ministry decided to finish the building using Kahn's original design. Kahn passed away before the project was finished. His colleague, David Wisdom, continued the work. The complex was finally completed on 28 January 1982.

The architecture of the Bhaban is highly specialized and symbolic. Kahn designed the complex to represent Bengali culture and heritage. He also wanted to optimize the use of space.

Sangshad inside
Sangshad inside

An artificial lake surrounds three sides of the main building. This water feature is intended to show the riverine beauty of the Bengal region. The exterior features large walls with deep recesses called porticoes. These walls contain large openings in regular geometric shapes. The main building is divided into three distinct sections: the Main Plaza, the South Plaza, and the Presidential Plaza.

জাতীয় সংসদ এলাকা (৩)
জাতীয় সংসদ এলাকা (৩)

The main structure consists of nine individual blocks. Eight of these peripheral blocks rise to a height of 110 feet. The central octagonal block is much taller, reaching 155 feet. These blocks are linked by corridors, stairs, lifts, and light courts. The most important space is the Parliament Chamber located in the Main Plaza.

Sangshad Assembly Hall
Sangshad Assembly Hall

This chamber can hold up to 354 members during sessions. It features a parabolic shell roof designed to let in natural daylight. This light reflects off the walls and an octagonal drum to illuminate the room. A large metallic chandelier hangs from the roof to provide artificial light without blocking the sun.

Over the years, ten different parliaments have used this building. It has served many different terms, ranging from only 12 days to nearly five years. The building has also seen periods of intense change and damage. In August 2024, a mass uprising occurred in the country. Protesters entered the building, causing significant damage and looting.

Parliament storming on August 5, 2024
Parliament storming on August 5, 2024

Looters took forty firearms from security, though students later returned them. Many parts of the infrastructure, such as air conditioners, lifts, and gates, were damaged. The MP Hostel also suffered damage to 192 rooms. The cost to repair these losses is estimated to be very high.

Today, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban remains a vital part of Dhaka's landscape. While the main building is restricted to authorized staff and members, the surrounding complex is open to the public.

National Assembly of Bangladesh, Dhaka (26)
National Assembly of Bangladesh, Dhaka (26)

The area near Crescent Lake and Chandrima Uddan is a popular spot for tourists. It is also a common route for local citizens to jog or skate. The building's design was so significant that it received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1989. It is studied globally as a masterpiece of twentieth-century modernist architecture.

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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Pakistani postage stamp.jpg
Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Pakistani...
File:Parliament storming on August 5, 2024.jpg
Parliament storming on August 5, 2024.jpg
File:2.জাতীয় সংসদ ভবন.jpg
2.জাতীয় সংসদ ভবন.jpg
File:Sangshad inside.jpg
Sangshad inside.jpg
File:Sangshad Assembly Hall.jpg
Sangshad Assembly Hall.jpg
File:জাতীয় সংসদ এলাকা (৩).jpg
জাতীয় সংসদ এলাকা (৩).jpg
File:National Assembly of Bangladesh, Dhaka (26).jpg
National Assembly of Bangladesh, Dhaka (26).jpg
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