The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh provides the legislature the name Jatiyo Shangsad in Bengali and House of the Nation in English. It is commonly known as Parliament. Now We are trying to know about the history of built, engineering and architecture of National Parliament of Bangladesh.
Parliament of Bangladesh is a unicameral legislature consisting of 350 members of which 300 Members from 300 territorial constituencies that is one from each constituency, on the basis of adult Franchise. The remaining 50 seats are reserved for women who are elected by the aforesaid elected Members in accordance with law on the basis of procedure of proportional representation in the Parliament through Single Transferable Vote. This provision for 50 reserved women seats continue for 25 years from the beginning (January 30, 2019) of the 11th Parliament.
As per provision of clause (3) of article 72 of the Constitution, the term of a Parliament is five years. It is ordinarily dissolved on completion of five years from the date of its first meeting after the general elections. The President has the authority to dissolve the Parliament earlier, if at any time he is satisfied that there is no Members of Parliament. The term of Parliament can be extended beyond 5 years by an Act of Parliament by not more than one year at a time when the Republic is engaged in war.
History of Creation
The Constituent Assembly of Bangladesh and the first Parliament held their sittings in the building that now houses the Prime Minister's Office and which is often referred as the old Shangshad Bhaban (old Parliament House). The second Parliament also held most of its sittings in that building, the last sitting being on 10 July 1981. It was during the tenure of the second Parliament that the present Parliament building, or Shangshad Bhaban, located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, became functional. Its eighth, and incidentally the last session, commenced on 15 February 1982 in the new building.
The legislative enclave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar is among the largest legislative complexes in the world and is bound by Rokeya Sarani to the east, Mirpur Road to the west, Lake Road to the north and Manik Mian Avenue to the south. Its total area is approximately 200 acres. Situated in the enclave are the impressive structure of the Parliament Building, a Members hostel, residences for parliamentary functionaries, two large lush green lawns and a lake. Residences of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, which were included in the master plan for this enclave has also been constructed.
The design of the Parliament Building, made by the famous architect Professor Louis I. Kahn, evolved from the basic human requirement of protection from the glare and fury of nature. The primary architect of the Bangladesh National Parliament Building (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban) was Louis I. Kahn. While the structural design was finalized with the assistance of Engr. Harry Palmbaum, a structural engineer, after Kahn's death. This has been achieved through the overall arrangement of the complex in different groups of buildings in which normal external lines are deeply recessed by porticoes with huge geometric openings on its outer facade, forming the visual characteristics of the building. Thus conventional methods of protecting external windows have been effectively substituted, resulting in the compositional effect of these huge openings, befitting the scale of the building. The use of exposed concrete walls to contrast the surrounding buildings with exposed brick exteriors, merges with the land and its culture. The lake on three sides of the main building, extending up to the Members hostel not only creates visual relief for the beholder but also echoes the riverine beauty of Bangladesh. The entire complex has a floor area of 8,23,000 sq. ft. in the main building, 2,23,000 sq. ft. in the South Plaza and 65,000 sq. ft. in the Presidential Plaza.
The Parliament Building consists of three major components: the South Plaza, the Presidential Plaza and the main Building. The South Plaza, gradually rising to 20' height, serves as the visual base as well as the formal entrance to the Parliament Building. It contains:
controlling gates;
a driveway;
a main mechanical plant room;
a large car parking space;
a telephone exchange;
offices of maintenance engineers;
equipment stores; and
an open plaza with steps and ramps leading directly to the main building.
The Presidential Plaza to the north, serves as an intimate plaza for MPs and other dignitaries. It contains marble steps, a gallery and an open pavement. Its ground floor is partly open and partly occupied by stores. The Parliament Building itself consists of nine individual blocks of which, eight peripheral blocks rise to a height of 110' while the octagonal block rises to a height of 155'. All of these nine blocks surrounding the ambulatory contain different groups of functional spaces and have an interplay of different levels, inter-linked horizontally and vertically with corridors, lifts, stairs, light courts and circular areas. All have blended into a harmonious whole.
The total seating capacity in the Parliament Chamber is 354 plus the podium and two V.I.P. galleries. The Chamber has a maximum height of 117' with a parabolic shell roof at its top. There is here a splendid feature: a clear story above the parabolic shell that lets in daylight, which reflects from the surrounding walls and octagonal drum filters into the Parliament Chamber, demonstrating the ability of Louis Khan to combine architecture with light. The artificial lighting system of the Parliament Chamber has been devised in such a manner that it does not obstruct the infiltration of daylight. A composite chandelier, consisting of a metallic web, supports the individual light fixtures and is itself suspended from the parabolic shell.
At the upper levels of this block are the visitors and press galleries as well as communication booths, which overlook the Parliament Chamber. Among others, it also contains at level one, a library, MPs lounges at level three, and Party rooms at the upper level. The main committee rooms are located in one of the peripheral blocks at level two. All parliamentary functionaries, including Ministers and chairpersons of some of the Standing Committees, have offices in this building, as does the Parliament Secretariat.
Parliament House Location
The Parliament House is located in the capital city of Dhaka, Bangladesh in the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.
The building is set within a sprawling 200-acre complex that includes manicured gardens, artificial lakes, and residential buildings.
The site is easily accessible from all parts of Dhaka and serves as a focal point of urban planning in the city.
Design and Architecture of Parliament House
Louis Kahn’s design for the Parliament House combines modernist principles with traditional Bengali elements. But while the structural design was finalized with the assistance of Engr. Harry Palmbaum, a structural engineer, after Kahn's death.
His vision was to create a structure that symbolised democracy, unity, and openness.
The Parliament House is widely regarded as one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century. It has inspired architects and students worldwide and is frequently featured in discussions on modernist architecture.
- Geometric Simplicity: The design incorporates circles, squares, and triangles.
- Concrete and Marble: Primary materials used, emphasising durability and simplicity.
- Light and Shadow: Innovative use of openings and corridors to create interplay.
- Symbolism: Reflects openness and transparency, core tenets of democracy.
Main Building
The main building is an eight-story structure with a height of 155 feet (176m).
Key components include:
- The Assembly Hall: A large circular space at the centre, topped with a dome, seating up to 354 members.
- Light Courts: Allowing natural light to flood interior spaces.
- Water Features: Surrounding the structure to provide cooling and aesthetic appeal.
Other Buildings
The complex also includes:
- Offices: For parliamentary committees and administrative functions.
- Library: Housing legal and legislative archives.
- Residences: For the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other officials.
Parliament House History and Construction
The project was initiated in 1959 during Pakistan’s rule over East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
Louis Kahn was commissioned to design the building, and he envisioned a timeless structure that celebrated democracy and cultural identity.
Construction Timeline
- 1961 Construction begins under the supervision of Kahn and local engineers.
- 1971 Work halts during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
- 1982 The building is finally completed and inaugurated.
Today, the Parliament House serves as the seat of the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament).
Here, laws are debated and passed, committees convene, and national ceremonies are hosted.
Visiting Parliament House
The National Parliament House is a popular attraction in Dhaka, though access to the complex is restricted for security reasons.
Guided tours are sometimes available, offering a chance to see more of this iconic building.
However, after the 2024 summer riots, interior tours have been paused due to damage. Visitors can still view the impressive exterior and explore the surrounding area.
Structural Features
The National Parliament House in Dhaka, Bangladesh is a masterpiece of architecture. This iconic building boasts unique structural features that make it stand out. Its design beautifully combines modern and traditional elements.
Material Choices
The building uses a mix of concrete, marble, and glass. These materials provide both durability and aesthetic appeal.
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Concrete | Provides structural strength |
| Marble | Adds elegance and beauty |
| Glass | Allows natural light |
The use of these materials creates a striking visual contrast. The concrete walls are rugged and robust. The marble surfaces are smooth and refined. The glass windows bring in ample sunlight.
Geometric Patterns
The building features intricate geometric patterns. These patterns are inspired by traditional Bengali art.
- Circular windows
- Triangular balconies
- Rectangular columns
These shapes are not just for decoration. They also serve functional purposes. For example, the circular windows help with ventilation. The triangular balconies provide shade.
The geometric patterns create a sense of harmony. They blend modern architecture with cultural heritage. This makes the National Parliament House a true architectural gem.
Interior Design
The National Parliament House in Dhaka, Bangladesh stands as a marvel of architecture. Its interior design beautifully complements its grand exterior. The blend of modern and traditional elements creates a unique atmosphere. This section explores the captivating interior design of the Parliament House.
Chambers And Halls
The chambers and halls are the heart of the Parliament House. The Main Assembly Hall is the most significant space. It features a circular seating arrangement. This design promotes equality and open dialogue. The hall can accommodate a large number of members comfortably. The Speaker’s Chair is centrally placed for clear visibility.
Other important chambers include the Prime Minister’s Office and Committee Rooms. These rooms are designed for both functionality and aesthetics. The committee rooms have state-of-the-art facilities. This makes them perfect for meetings and discussions.
Art And Decor
Art and decor play a vital role in the Parliament House. The building showcases an impressive collection of artworks. These include paintings, sculptures, and murals. Each piece reflects the rich culture of Bangladesh.
The walls are adorned with traditional Bengali motifs. These add a touch of cultural heritage. The use of natural light enhances the beauty of the interiors. Large windows and skylights allow sunlight to flood in. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The decor also includes handcrafted furniture. Each piece is meticulously designed and crafted. The use of local materials adds to the building’s authenticity. The combination of art and decor creates a harmonious environment.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Assembly Hall | Circular seating, central Speaker’s Chair |
| Prime Minister’s Office | Functional and aesthetic design |
| Committee Rooms | State-of-the-art facilities |
| Art Collection | Paintings, sculptures, murals |
| Decor | Traditional motifs, handcrafted furniture |
Environmental Considerations
The National Parliament House in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is not just an architectural marvel. It is also a beacon of environmental sustainability. Designed by Louis I. Kahn, the building showcases various eco-friendly features. These features ensure minimal environmental impact while providing a comfortable and efficient space for governance.
Natural Lighting
The use of natural lighting is a key feature of the National Parliament House. The building’s design includes large windows and strategically placed openings. These allow ample sunlight to flood the interiors, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The natural light also creates a pleasant atmosphere for the occupants.
Here’s a quick overview of how natural lighting is incorporated:
- Large windows positioned to capture sunlight
- Skylights for even distribution of natural light
- Reflective surfaces to enhance light penetration
Water Features
The National Parliament House also includes several water features. These are not just for aesthetic appeal. They also play a significant role in the building’s environmental strategy. The water bodies help in temperature regulation, making the interiors cooler and more comfortable.
Important aspects of the water features include:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Reflecting Pools | Enhance aesthetic beauty and cool the surroundings |
| Water Channels | Help in irrigation and maintaining greenery |
| Rainwater Harvesting | Conserves water and reduces dependency on external sources |
These features collectively contribute to the building’s sustainability. They make the National Parliament House a model of eco-friendly architecture.