Parliament Building of Bangladesh

The Architectural Marvel of Bangladesh's National Assembly``

National Parliament Building of Bangladesh

Parliament Building of Bangladesh is one of the architectural masterpieces. Louis Kahn is widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most influential architects. His works are renowned for their monumental presence, geometric precision, and poetic utilization of light and shadow. The Bangladesh National Parliament Building is a remarkable example of how deeply modern architecture can be rooted in its context and culture.

The National Parliament Building of Bangladesh is located in the capital city of Dhaka. It is also known as the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and functions as the parliament building of the country. The building was designed by the internationally renowned American architect Louis I. Kahn and completed in 1982.

Due to its creative and distinctive architectural style, the Parliament Building is well regarded as one of the best examples of modern architecture. The main structure of the building consists of the main plaza, the south Plaza and the Parliament Building.

Bangladesh’s National Parliament Building is located in the capital city of Dhaka. It is also known as the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and functions as the country’s parliament.

The government of Pakistan, which governed Bangladesh (then known as East Pakistan) at the time, commissioned Kahn to begin designing the building in 1962. Kahn suggested a brand-new structure that would represent the identity and aspirations of the Bengali people.

The design of the Parliament Building is comprised of interlocking geometric shapes, including squares and circles. The structure is made of concrete and marble and has several wide open areas that allow natural light to flood the interior. It comprises eight compartments surrounding a central grand chamber, where parliamentary sessions are held. Additionally, the structure contains offices, resting quarters, restaurants, and other amenities for parliament members and employees.

Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Designed by architect Louis Kahn

The Parliament Building is surrounded by an enormous artificial lake that serves as both an ornamental component and a cooling mechanism. The lake also supplies water to the building and regulates temperatures.

The building’s construction stopped in 1971 due to the Bangladesh Liberation War, which led to the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan. The war also claimed the life of Kahn’s local collaborator, architect Muzharul Islam, who played an instrumental part in bringing Kahn to the project and collaborating with him on the design.

Bangladesh Parliament Building's grand interior

As soon as the liberation war ended 16 December in 1971, Kahn resumed construction with a renewed sense of mission and commitment. He considered the building as a symbol of democracy and national pride for the newly formed country.He also incorporated elements of Bengali vernacular architecture, including the use of local materials (concrete and marble), the adaptation to the climate (the building is raised on a plinth to prevent flooding and has large openings to allow natural ventilation), and the reference to historical and religious motifs (the building resembles a mosque or a fortress).

Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban's concrete geometric design by Louis Kahn.

The building’s construction was eventually completed in 1982, nine years after Kahn’s death in 1974. The building was opened by President Ziaur Rahman and since then has been used as the seat of Bangladesh’s parliament. The structure is regarded by architects and critics as one of Kahn’s outstanding works and one of the most significant examples of contemporary architecture. It is also a national symbol and a source of motivation for the people of Bangladesh.

Overall, the National Parliament Building of Bangladesh is a unique and famous landmark that showcases the country’s commitment to modern architecture and design.