Protest held to save historic college grounds in Barisal

Today, people from various backgrounds gathered in Barisal to protest against plans to build on the historic grounds of Government Barisal College. 

This college is linked to Ashwini Kumar Dutta, an important figure in India’s fight for independence. 

The rally took place at Ashwini Kumar Hall and was organized by a group dedicated to preserving the college’s sports field.

During the event, speakers expressed their disappointment that the college administration is ignoring community calls to protect the field. 

They highlighted that even though a meeting in July decided to build new structures on alternative land, the college is still planning to construct buildings on the playground. 

The protesters called on the administration to stop these plans immediately and warned of stronger protests if their demands are not met.

Professor Shah Sazeda, who leads the preservation group, emphasized the importance of the grounds for sports and cultural activities at the college. 

She was joined by several notable figures, including Lincoln Bayen from the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), local political leaders, and students from the college.

Bayen pointed out that a law from 2000 clearly states that sports fields should not be converted for other uses, yet the college is moving ahead with construction plans that violate this law.

Sazeda reminded everyone that the playground was created after Dutta’s home was demolished for student activities. 

She stressed that the college has its own land available for new buildings, and she urged the administration to reconsider its plans for the playground.

After the speeches, the protesters marched through the streets of Barisal and delivered a petition to the district commissioner, asking for the grounds to be protected.

In response to the protests, Principal Mohammad Ali Hossain Howlader told reporters that getting approval and funding for the new building was difficult. 

He explained that the college is running out of space as the number of students increases and that building on the existing grounds seems necessary.

Regarding the earlier meeting with protest leaders, he mentioned that it was organized by the former city mayor and that both sides were encouraged to discuss a solution. 

However, he stated that with no alternative land available, he sees little room for further discussion.

Manisha Chakraborty, a member of the preservation committee, argued that there is indeed a vacant plot near the college that could be used for construction instead of destroying the playground.

Barisal College was established in 1962 in the home of Ashwini Kumar Dutta, who was not only a prominent educator but also a significant contributor to the independence movement. 

The college was renamed in 1973 and became a government institution in 1986. Over the years, there have been attempts to fill in a pond on campus, but community protests have successfully stopped those plans.