These cracks on the walls and the iron framework on the ceilings, revealed from falling off plaster, calls for the urgent need of renovation works of Alaol Hall of Chittagong University. Photo: Anurup Kanti Das

Resident students of the Alaol Hall of Chittagong University are passing their days in fear that the dilapidated building of the dormitory might collapse at any time.
Apprehension of collapse always haunts around 300 students who reside in the oldest hall of the university established in a unique architectural design in 1967.
Plasters of the ceiling fall on the students occasionally as the infrastructure of the first male dorm has become ramshackle. Besides, many cracks have developed in most of the pillars on the ground and first floors of the four-storied building due to earthquake that jolted the country on February 4.
A good number of students alleged that due to negligence of the university authorities the hall is lying in a dilapidated condition since long.
The university authorities are yet to start any repair work of the damaged portions even after ten months. As a result, the students are in constant fear of a disaster.
Living in the hall is a threat to the students' lives as the dorm has become very old and many cracks developed in the pillars as well as the walls, said G M Sumon, a resident student of the hall.
The cracks may lead to a serious accident at anytime, he added.
The imminent danger is depriving the students of their peace of mind, said Md Jahid, also a resident student of the hall.
He said most of the students are forced to stay in the hall as there is no alternative accommodation facility. Moreover, they have to always be on their guard regarding falling plaster from the ceiling, he added.
He said the university authorities should immediately start renovation work of the building considering safety of the resident students.
The hall has become very much dilapidated as it is the oldest hall of the university, said Mohammad Mahbub Morshed, acting provost of the hall.
He said the cracks developed in the pillars due to earthquakes.
Moreover, the hall was constructed without following building code, he said, adding that it is better not to allow the students to reside in the hall.
Lack of proper maintenance is the main cause for the dilapidated condition of the hall, said Mohammad Alamgir Chowdhury, chief engineer of the university. He said they could not carry out renovation works regularly due to fund crisis.
Alamgir said the hall may collapse only during an earthquake. Otherwise it is secure, he added.
Structural engineers visited the hall recently, said Vice-chancellor Prof Md Anwarul Azim Arif.
He said that steps would be taken regarding the hall according to the experts' recommendations.