The genesis of Jatio Sangsad Bhaban at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka

Abstract

The thesis ‘The Genesis of Jatio Sangsad Bhaban at Shere-Bangla-Nagar, Dhaka’ is an attempt to unravel the socio-political, cultural and spatial components of Jatio Sangsad Bhaban (JSB), the National Assembly Building of Bangladesh. Commissioned in 1962 by Pakistani military dictator Ayub Khan and designed by world renowned architect Louis I. Kahn. This building represents an epic saga that encompasses the rich and dramatic history of Bangladesh. Built as an element of the dictatorial apparatus by the West Pakistani government to placate the nationalist movement of East Pakistan, it symbolises the national identity of an independent nation, Bangladesh. Initiated in the early 1960s during the cold war period, the creation of the JSB is characterised by the political context of the time. With its dominating physical presence, surrounded by space in an overcrowded city, the building serves as a constant reminder of both the nationalist movement that led to the war of independence of Bangladesh and the global political order under which it was created. This thesis explores these themes to understand the JSB as a nationalist product. The two constructs of nationalism, political and cultural, are seen as the main defining features of the thesis — through these lenses the thesis explores the socio-political construction of space that revolves around the building. The theory of architectural critic Lawrence Vale, who incorporates the political and cultural context in his study of symbolic buildings, is used to inform the thesis. The thesis evolved from articles in refereed journals and conference proceedings publications. The articles aimed to shed light on the hidden and less known phenomenon of this iconic building and its place within architectural historiography. Unfolding the subjective meaning of this building, rather than simply describing its physical attributes, evokes a new understanding and knowledge that can be applied to other iconic and symbolic structures.