History of the construction of the National Parliament Building

The National Parliament Building is one of the few structures that have made Bangladesh known on the world map in terms of architecture, aesthetics and grandeur. Designed by American architect Louis Isadore Kahn, this structure not only increased the beauty of Dhaka many times over, but also became a part of the history and culture of Bangladesh.

In 1959, military ruler Ayub Khan shifted the capital of Pakistan from Karachi to Islamabad. Then it was decided that the second capital would be in East Pakistan. The location was decided in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, which was named "Ayub Nagar".
For this huge city plan, architect Mazharul Islam proposed the names of three world-famous architects—Le Corbusier, Alvar Aito and Louis I. Kahn. In the end, Kahn, who had been dreaming of planning a new city for a long time, got the job.

Kahn came to Dhaka for the first time in 1962. The nature, light and shade, river, red bricks and green environment here attracted him deeply. He submitted a plan for a complete city, not only including the parliament, but also the Supreme Court, the Presidential Palace, hospitals, educational institutions, and residential areas.
However, through various changes, the National Parliament Building, lake, hospital and residential areas were finally realized. The complete city that Kan imagined never materialized.

Kan submitted the original plan for the Parliament Building in 1964. At the center of the plan was the octagonal main parliament chamber. There are eight blocks around it—the staircase to the north, the chambers of ministers and bureaucrats to the west, the prayer room to the south and other offices to the east.
Hollow columns are placed at the four corners of the huge prayer room, through which light and air flow. In the atmosphere of a Muslim-dominated country, Kan designed it in such a way that members of parliament would come under the prayer room while entering, so that a sense of holiness is created in the mind.

Concrete and red bricks were used in the construction of the building.

Various geometric spaces have been created to bring in the play of light and shadow.

The South Plaza, where Eid congregations are also held, and the President's Plaza at the northern end enhance the grandeur of the building.

Nature, culture, and spirituality have come together in Kahn's design.

Louis Kahn's first master plan was approved on March 12, 1963. 7 percent of the budget was allocated for the architect. After many changes, the National Parliament Building took its final form in 1973.

However, unfortunately, the complete city planned by Kahn was not implemented. A magnificent structure has stood around the Parliament Building, which is still one of the architectural masterpieces of Bangladesh in the eyes of the world.

The National Parliament Building is not only a place for making laws, it is a symbol of Bangladesh's architecture and culture. Louis I. Kahn has transformed it into a timeless structure, which has become the pride of the country and will remain on the list of world-class architecture in the future.