Take part in all nat'l activities to establish true democracy

Prof Muhammad Yunus and Prof Mir Mobassher Ali hold a book entitled 'Samatate Sangsad' at the publication ceremony of the book at Sheraton Hotel in the city yesterday while Prof Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, left, and Prof Shahidul Amin, right, look on. PHOTO: STAR

Prof Yunus, the pioneer of microcredit and managing director of Grameen Bank, also urged the countrymen to exercise their franchise in the elections to strengthen democracy.

The Jatiya Sangsad would become the real symbol of democracy only when the participation of common people in national activities is ensured, he added.

Prof Yunus was speaking as the chief guest at a publication ceremony of a book entitled 'Samatate Sangsad' by Mir Mobassher Ali, a former professor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), at Sheraton Hotel in the city.

The book has two parts -- one is about culture and another is about the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and the life of world-renowned architect Louis I Kahn.

Launching the book, Prof Yunus said, "This book is a significant addition to our understanding of culture, especially the architectural works."

"We have only one piece of world-class architectural work in our county -- the Sangsad Bhaban -- which is also our pride, but it is regrettable that the common people have no access to the building," he said, adding that the Sangsad Bhaban should be open to all.

Prof Yunus urged the architects to develop low-cost houses, considering the rapid growth of population.

Lauding the works of Louis I Kahn, Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed said the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is one of the 100 best architectural works worldwide.

But the common people have no right to enter the Sangsad Bhaban, he said. It is regrettable that the black money holders have the access, he added.

Prof Dr Shahidul Amin, dean of the Department of Architecture at Buet, said there are lots of books or writings on Kahn, which are all in English, but Mobassher has probably done the first job of writing on Kahn and Sangsad Bhaban in Bangla.

Speaking on the occasion, author Mobassher Ali said, "The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is a wonderful work of Kahn and it also plays an important role in our national life."

Anisul Haq, deputy editor of the daily Prothom Alo, and Enamul Haque of ENA Properties also spoke.