DSCC vows to protect Dhaka’s heritage

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam, a freedom fighter, has warned that the city’s historical and heritage sites will not be allowed to face further destruction.

He said preserving Dhaka’s historical sites is the moral and civic responsibility of everyone concerned, including the state.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the official inauguration of a conservation programme for the ancient tombs at Dhaka Christian Cemetery in Wari on Tuesday.

The DSCC administrator said he had been working since taking charge to restore the lost heritage and traditional character of “Old Dhaka”.

“Today’s megacity has grown around Old Dhaka. The importance of its historical places is immense. Therefore, no trace of the past can be allowed to be destroyed,” he said.

Recalling Wari’s past, Abdus Salam said the area was once one of the most prosperous and elite parts of Dhaka because of its river-based communication system and urban facilities.

He said prominent people once lived in the area and that the City Corporation was working to restore the environment of Wari and surrounding areas, including the nearby Baldha Garden, to a more orderly condition.

Speaking about communal harmony and equal rights, he said Bangladesh had no place for the concept of “minority”, as all citizens are Bangladeshis and have equal rights.

“There is no word for ‘minority’ in Bangladesh; we are all Bangladeshis by identity and equal citizens of this country,” he said, stressing the need for mutual respect, peace and harmony among people of all faiths.

At the programme, the administrator said the City Corporation would maintain a peaceful and orderly environment at the historic cemetery.

He said roads, drainage, lighting and cleanliness facilities would be improved there. He also announced an immediate allocation of Tk 5 lakh from the DSCC fund for the cemetery’s overall maintenance and assured further financial support if necessary.

Outlining his vision for Old Dhaka, Abdus Salam said narrow roads in the area would be kept clean and adequately illuminated.

He called on local representatives, government officials and residents to work together to maintain cleanliness and order in their respective areas, including taking measures to manage the floating population.