It is sad to see how greedy business people and influential politicians of our country have been trying to grab or demolish our century-old heritage sites in the name of development. Already many such sites and buildings have been destroyed for "development". The century-old Birchandra Ganapathagar and Nagar Milonayton (the town hall) of Cumilla town is going to be the latest victim of such mindless demolition attempts. Apparently, the local lawmaker, who is also an adviser to the town hall committee, is one of the initiators of the move to construct a "new and modern" town hall. Although cultural activists, civil society members and residents of the town have been protesting against the decision, it seems, nothing can stop the lawmaker from demolishing it, as he has all the local powerful people and government officials on his side. People have alleged that the lawmaker is trying to demolish the town hall for business purposes.

Reportedly, a public hearing over the acquisition of the town hall was organised on December 19 where people from all walks of life were supposed to express their opinions. However, supporters of the lawmaker thronged the town hall premises in droves, holding banners and shouting slogans in favour of the demolition of this historic establishment, leaving little or no room for others to enter the premises.

Birchandra Ganapathagar was constructed by then Tripura King Birchandra Manikka Bahadur and has been a centre for educational, cultural, intellectual and socio-political activities in Cumilla city for over a hundred years. The town hall stands witness to some of the most important events in our history such as the Language Movement and Liberation War. The local lawmaker and others must understand the value of this heritage site and try to preserve and maintain it, not demolish it. They should consult with architects and engineers on how this site can be best restored. This is what we expect from the lawmaker in question and other government officials who want this historic site demolished.