Dhaka University rents out space on the central library roof for installation of a mobile phone transmission tower, which experts believe is set to destroy the sanctity of this building designed by legendary architect Muzaharul Islam in the early fifties

The Dhaka University authorities have recently made a deal with a private mobile telephone company to erect a huge transmission tower on the rooftop of the central library building, sparking widespread criticism.

The company has already started work to install the tower.

Country's leading architects and academics have expressed their frustrations and anger over what they termed thoughtless move of the university authorities to rent out the rooftop of the landmark building designed by Muzharul Islam.

They alleged that the DU authorities have already destroyed the greenery, serenity and the pleasant landscape of the campus by allowing hundreds of gigantic commercial hoardings at every nook and corner for commercial gain.

"I'm just hurt having learnt it, what else can I do?" said

Muzaharul Islam, the architect. The building is one of the works of his career's very first phase, built during 1953-54.

President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) Mubasshar Hussain said that the library building is one of the pioneering works of architecture accomplished during Pakistan period.

"This is an outstanding example of modern architecture that created a distinct trend in the postcolonial era," he said. "This is a foremost example in the study of modern architecture in Bangladesh."

A salient feature of the building's architecture is that it is designed in congruity with the climate of Bangladesh to make it library-friendly.

The IAB president demanded that the authorities should immediately stop the move to erect the telephone tower.

Prof Muzaffer Ahmad, chairman of Transparency International Bangladesh, said

the DU had originally been an architectural unity. "There is no such example at any other university in the world," he said.

"This is an example of degeneration of an aesthetic sensibility any academic mind should have. " Such degeneration started in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Character of a university is supposed to be reflected in its physical features, Prof Ahmad said, adding that at any university in the world, architectural uniformity of the buildings is a common phenomenon.

Honorary chairman of Centre for Urban Studies Nazrul Islam said the DU central library building is one of the three most outstanding works of Muzaharul Islam. The other two are the Institute of Fine Arts and the Science Laboratory building.

"Any addition, modification or alteration to a building of high architectural value in this manner is not acceptable at all," said Nazrul Islam. "This is an aes-

thetic work. The university authorities have no right to spoil such a building."

Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury said commercial encroachments have occurred on the Dhaka University campus in many ways. But such encroachments are not desirable at all.

"Such commercial indulgence is obviously inconsistent and disharmonious with the concept and history of Dhaka University," Choudhury said.

He also said that the inner vitality of the university with academic and cultural activities and its outer atmosphere are being consistently destroyed.

DU Vice-chancellor SMA Faiz said he does not know what kind of structure is being erected on the library building rooftop as the pro-VC deals with it.

"But probably it is for a mobile telephone transmission tower, which the university syndicate

has approved," said the VC.

Asked whether such commercial act is in keeping with the sanctity and decency of a university campus, Faiz said, "It is impossible to answer this question in a word. You could not

answer if you were in my position."

Pro-VC Prof AFM Yusuf Haidar said two mobile phone companies GrameenPhone and Aktel needed such a site to install transmission towers

to improve their network. One of the towers will be erected on the library building rooftop.

"I don't find anything in it that may spoil the sanctity of the university campus," he said.

There is no other suitable site for the towers, he said. "The deal is mutually beneficial."

It is a 5-year contract with two companies with the provision for Tk 10 to 12 thousand rent per month, the pro-VC said.