The chief justice鈥檚 residence on 19 Hare Road, a building rich in historical significance, is set to become an archaeological site.
Constructed after the 1905 Partition of Bengal, when Dhaka became the capital of East Bengal and Assam, the residence has long served as a home for high-ranking officials.
In a bid to preserve this heritage, the Supreme Court administration has taken steps with the Department of Archaeology to protect the property, according to a press release issued by the SC authority on Thursday.
The move comes after the residence suffered damage during the student-led mass movement that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and forced her to flee to India on August 5.
Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, who assumed office on August 11, is leading the initiative to safeguard the residence.
鈥業f it is declared as an archaeological site, the property will be preserved not only as a testament to its historical importance but also as a national treasure for future generations to explore and learn from,鈥� stated the Supreme Court in the release.
The press release also highlighted that the designation would ensure the property remained under the Supreme Court鈥檚 ownership, allowing it to continue functioning as a living piece of history rather than a mere relic of the past.
Momentum for the decision grew after a key meeting on September 25 at the Chief Justice鈥檚 residence.
The meeting, chaired by Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, was attended by Sabina Alam, director general of the Department of Archaeology, and senior officials from both the Supreme Court and the department.
On October 6, the Supreme Court formally requested the Department of Archaeology to implement the decision made during the meeting.
Speaking to 抖阴精品 on Thursday, Sabina Alam confirmed that the Chief Justice had expressed his desire to preserve the residence鈥檚 legacy.
鈥楧eclaring it as an archaeological site will not affect its use as a residence,鈥� she noted, adding that her department has already requested the deputy commissioner of Dhaka to schedule the declaration.
She further mentioned that a report had been sought from the Regional Director of Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions regarding the declaration.
Supreme Court Registrar General Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan provided an update on repairs to the residence, which was damaged and looted during the protests.
鈥楾he house is being repaired to make it livable for the Chief Justice, who is currently staying at his private residence,鈥� he said.
Attorney general Md Asaduzzaman stated that the Chief Justice will move into the residence once the repairs are completed and the house is fit for occupancy.
Under Section 10 of the Antiquities Act, the government has the authority to declare any antiquity as a protected site through a notification in the official gazette.
Additionally, Section 12 of the Act allows the owner of an immovable or protected antiquity to appoint the Director of Archaeology as its guardian through a written agreement, provided the director accepts the role with the prior approval of the government.
