PM can save Kamalapur station

We are dismayed by the news that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has given its consent to shifting the iconic Kamalapur Station Plaza further north which basically means demolition of the structure and erecting a similar one in the new location. In our reports, editorials and columns, we've repeatedly highlighted the preciousness of this historical structure built by two American architects, Daniel C Dunham and Robert G Boughey. Inaugurated in 1968, the Kamalapur Railway Station was the largest modern railway station in the country and was representative of the modern architecture of the 60s.

The architecture is not just aesthetically pleasing but was also built keeping in mind the climate and traditions of the region. The characteristic parasol roof gives protection from the rains and the design allows natural light and cross-ventilation that is ideal for our tropical climate. Architect Adnan Morshed in a column has summed up the reason why this structure is so important and needs to be preserved: "Serving over half a century as both a literal and a symbolic gateway to the capital city, Kamalapur is intertwined with the country's histories of modernity, transportation and nationhood."

Thus, the demolition of such a historically important structure, which is also valuable in terms of its functionality, is both tragic and bewildering.

The reason given for such a drastic measure is to shift the station building to the northern side to accommodate the scissor crossing of MRT-6 (Mass Rapid Transit 6) line. While this may be a logical reason for shifting a structure, we must ask the question whether there was any other way to build the crossing without touching the structure. The more pertinent question is: should the value of such an iconic structure be disregarded to make way for infrastructural development? If we have no regard for history or heritage, the answer would be yes—we should go ahead with infrastructural development that promises to ease traffic congestion and make travelling more accessible, no matter what the cost. But let us not forget that certain iconic structures are what make a city unique and give it character. We already have seen how Dhaka has been denuded of its character because of indiscriminate development. Many times this has been done by destroying centuries-old buildings despite protests from architects and other individuals interested in preserving history.

The idea that a "similar" plaza will be built in place of the old one would be laughable if it weren't so tragic. It is important that we need a transport hub as the new construction promises, but why can't this be while retaining the old structure? There are many instances in the world where heritage buildings are preserved while making the necessary improvements inside to cater to the needs of the public, and where new infrastructure is built without touching the old ones that have historical value.

According to news reports, the PM has not yet made the final decision to give the go-ahead for the demolition. We can only appeal to her as citizens who care about their city and value the historical structures that tell stories of a glorious past. We fervently hope that a unique architectural icon like the Kamalapur station will be allowed to stand tall and be the transport hub it has always meant to be.