The Alexander Castle or Lohar Kuthi (house made of iron) is an ancient structure in Mymensingh, dating back to 1879. Recently, the house became mired in conflict as the Government Laboratory High School started building a boundary wall around the historic building and the field in front.
On one hand, school authorities claim that the wall is to stop the entry of outsiders on the school premises, while on the other, locals say that the attempt is nothing but a scope to siphon off money and destroy the environment.
Locals gathered in front of the deputy commissioner’s office on Monday, protesting the building of the wall. Later the deputy commissioner put a halt to the construction work.
There are at least eight organizations that fall within the boundaries of Alexander Castle. Both entries are used by the people of the organization as well as tourists.
Over the last few days, Government Laboratory High School authorities started building a wall on the front part of the building.
Taposh Majumder, a senior teacher at the school told Dhaka Tribune that the wall is being built for the safety of the students and the school has no intention of destroying the beauty of the spot.
“Only those whose children come to the school will understand the issue of security. The others are probably not understanding and spreading propaganda,” he said.
Meanwhile, Government Laboratory High School Principal Anjuman Ara Begum told Dhaka Tribune that the students are unable to attend assemblies as boys from outside roam around the place.
“Motorcycles or people from other organizations also cross the field all the time. The female students face issues because of it,” she added.
“No wall was being built. Just a four feet steel barricade,” she said.
However, locals and environmentalists refuse to believe the school’s explanation.
Paribesh Rakkha and Unnayan Andolan General Secretary Shibbir Ahmed Liton told Dhaka Tribune: “Those building the wall are not only destroying the environment but also thinking of making some money.”
“The wall must be demolished as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will be removed through strict movement,” he said.
Ensemble Theatre President Abdul Mansoor says that the heritage sites in Bangladesh are already at risk.
“We want them to be preserved and not be destroyed by any faction,” he added.
Shushanoer Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) Mymensingh unit general secretary Ali Yusuf expressed outrage that the wall was being built without any consultations.
“The building has historical importance. It us a tourist distraction. Those who wanted to build the boundary wall must be held accountable,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Haque told Dhaka Tribune that instructions have been given to halt the construction on Thursday.
“A decision regarding the matter will be taken on Tuesday. We will try to resolve the school issues as well not build the wall,” he said.