Another heritage building in Sylhet is being torn down. This time, the iconic ‘Minister’s House’ in the Pathantula area is being razed with hammers and shovels.

It is understood that the owners are demolishing the historic structure due to its deteriorating condition, rendering it unfit for use. However, locals have expressed dismay over the demolition of this aesthetically remarkable and ancient building, known for its distinctive architectural style.

The house was built by Abdul Hamid, a prominent lawyer, educator, and politician. He was a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly during British India and served as the Education Minister. Later, from 1947 to 1954, he was the Education Minister of East Pakistan. This is why the building is known as the ‘Minister’s House.’

The exact construction date of the house remains uncertain, though some claim it is over a century old, a fact that could not be verified. Abdul Hamid passed away in 1963.

On Tuesday afternoon, a visit to the Pathantula area revealed several workers dismantling the old structure with hammers and shovels. They stated that the owners are demolishing the house due to its age and are planning to construct a new building in its place.

Efforts to contact the owners were unsuccessful, as they are reportedly abroad.

Locals mentioned that a ‘for sale’ signboard was recently displayed in front of the house, though it is unclear if the property has been sold.

On-site observations showed that the doors and windows of the house have already been removed, and the demolition of the roof is underway.

Citing the owners, the construction workers said the building had become ‘unusable’ due to cracks in the roof, prompting its demolition for safety reasons.

However, environmental organization Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (DhRA), Sylhet, expressed disappointment over the demolition. The group’s General Secretary, Abdul Karim Kim, said, “Sylhet has very few heritage structures left. It is disheartening to see another one being demolished.”

He added, “This is private property, so there’s little we can do. However, the owners could have considered restoring the building instead of demolishing it. This is not just a building—it is a witness to the region’s history and an example of ancient architectural style.”

News of the demolition has also sparked outrage on social media. Rezaul Karim Alo wrote, “I don’t believe there’s any justification for demolishing a century-old structure just because the roof is damaged. Though it’s private property, such an artistic building cannot be recreated today. Destroying such heritage is far easier than creating it.”

Another individual, Jalal Ahmed Jalal, commented, “I used to see this house while traveling by bus from Sylhet to Sunamganj. Pakistan’s former President Mohammad Ali Jinnah once rested here.”

Notably, Abdul Hamid was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Assam and served as the Education Minister of greater Assam. He also held the position of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. After the partition, he served as Education Minister and held various significant roles in the then-Pakistan government.

Abdul Hamid’s sister, Hafiza Banu, was the mother of lawyer Abu Ahmad Abdul Hafiz and the grandmother of Bangladesh’s former Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith and former Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.