BGMEA building sealed off

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkah (Rajuk) today sealed off the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) building on Hatirjheel in Dhaka.

The complex was sealed off around 7:00pm after its office bearers shifted their valuables as part of Rajuk’s move to demolish the building, ASM Raihanul Ferdous, project director of the Rajuk told The Daily Star tonight.

Earlier, the authorities are allowed office bearers to vacate the BGMEA Complex on Hatirjheel by today.

Though the full set-up was present to demolish the building since this morning, the decision has been taken in discovery that two banks were yet to vacate their assets from the building.

Oliur Rahman, zonal director of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), told The Daily Star that they have allowed EXIM Bank and Dhaka Bank until 5:00pm to vacate their offices.

Authorities are in front of the BGMEA bhaban to start the demolishing process. Photo: Amran Hossain

Oliur Rahman, zonal director of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), told The Daily Star that they have allowed EXIM Bank and Dhaka Bank until 5:00pm to vacate their offices.

Therefore, it is very likely that demolition work may not start by today.

Previously, law enforcers and bulldozers appeared before BGMEA Complex at 8:00pm, ready to bring the building down. But, seeing the building still occupied, they were given some time.

BGMEA has already moved most of its assets and offices to its new building at Uttara Sector 17, which was inaugurated by the prime minister on April 3.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) secured a final extension for their building on April 2 – for a year and 10 days.

The apex court's order was effective from April 12 that year to implement a previous verdict by Supreme Court that directed BGMEA to demolish the building.