8 years on, Barguna auditorium remains an empty promise
Photo: Agamir Somoy
The construction of the Barguna Town Hall Municipal Auditorium launched in 2018 with high hopes, promising local cultural activists a 500-seat venue in just two years. Yet eight years later, that promise remains unfulfilled, with no trace of the facility in sight.
The construction work is completely stalled, and even the municipal authorities are unsure when it will finally open.
Local cultural activists complain that the absence of a suitable stage has crippled cultural activities in Barguna, halting regular performances of plays, music, and recitations. They worry that the lack of creative outlets leaves children and adolescents at a higher risk of turning to drugs and criminal activities.
According to locals, Town Hall Municipal Auditorium was once the vibrant heart of Barguna’s cultural scene, housing offices of various cultural organizations and hosting bustling events. Many of the district’s cultural workers who now perform at the national level began their journeys on this very stage.
When the old structure became hazardous, Barguna Municipality initiated the new project under the government’s Annual Development Program (ADP). The joint venture contracting firm AAC & NT JV was awarded the contract to build the auditorium for Tk 7.02 crore, with a scheduled completion date of 27 March 2020.
Yet, six years after the deadline, the project remains unfinished, despite the contracting firm already receiving Tk 4.79 in bill payments.
Highlighting the crisis, Barguna Khelaghar President Mushfik Arif said, “The cultural arena of Barguna once passed a golden era. But there has been no suitable place for practice for a long time. The situation has worsened as the work on the new auditorium has not been completed even in eight years.”
Sharing similar concerns, Durbar Cultural Organization President Md Khan Nayeem added, “Due to lack of space, regular cultural programs including stage plays cannot be held. Previously, children and adolescents used to remain involved in cultural activities. Now, as that opportunity has decreased, a portion of them is at risk of going astray.”
Barguna Municipality Executive Engineer Mohammad Masum Billah said the contractor has been repeatedly urged to complete the project, but they have shown no interest. Following the political transition after the July mass uprising, representatives of the contracting firm have largely gone into hiding, prompting the municipality to seek directives from the ministry.
However, the contractor, Md Abul Hossain Khan, rejected the municipality’s claims. He asserted that the municipal authorities diverted the funds allocated for the auditorium to other projects, leaving him uncertain about receiving payments even if the work is completed. He would resume construction only if he receives solid guarantees regarding fund allocation and bill payments.
Meanwhile, Barguna Municipality Administrator Sajol Chandra Sheel said, “Letters have been sent to the contracting firm several times to finish the work. No reply was received. A letter has been sent to the ministry concerned to take action.”
