Installed lift at Ahsan Manjil hurts aesthetics, say experts

Archaeologists have criticsed the installation of a ‘jarring’ elevator at Ahsan Manjil in Old Dhaka, saying it is not compatible with the structural aesthetics of the 1872 heritage site.

A visit to the site showed that the elevator shaft was attached to the front of the Nawab-residence-turned museum. The white contraption is clearly jars the profile of brick-coloured structure.

When contacted, the director general of government’s archaeological department, Shirin Akter, said they had no say in the matter since the museums authorities were in charge since the renovation of the edifice in 1992.

The archaeological site, one of the last remnants of the heritage of Dhaka’s Nawab family, was built on the bank of Buriganga River. Its construction had ended in 1872.

The Bangladesh National Museum authorities, responsible for preserving the site, said they were not bothered about aesthetics when erected the elevator.

“Experts can say whether the heritage is being destroyed. We are government employees and only implement government decisions,” National Museum Director General Faizul Latif Chowdhury said, explaining the step was to help disabled visitors.

However, Institute of Architects Bangladesh chief Abu Sayeed Ahmed blasted the move saying, “This step goes to show how illiterate we are. We do not know to honour our heritage.”

“This is a complete violation of the law regarding heritage sites. There is no other example around the world of destroying aesthetic value for renovation. This is how the key intent of preserving ancient civilisation for the newer generations is being hampered.

“This addition has destroyed Ahsan Manjil’s architectural and aesthetical value,” Sayeed said.

Laws of Bangladesh require specific steps to be taken before any renovation can be made at a heritage site including consultations with experts. Violations can lead to jail terms and fines.

Muntasir Mamun, A Dhaka University history professor who has been researching on the 400-year heritage of Dhaka city, reacted sharply to the elevator installation. “This would not have happened in any other country. You could do something inside the site to accommodate disabled people but even that after proper consultation with experts.

Faizul Latif Chowdhury tried to assure the external addition would pose no threat to the archaeological structure, but hurriedly said it could be removed “any time the government wants it” when told about the reaction by the architect and history professor. .

Mamun went on to express his frustration. “The laws are there, but not followed. The ministers of the government have no idea about preserving aesthetics. The bureaucrats do not care about what anyone says, there is no one to stop them. This will go on.”