Inside The World-Famous Parliament Building In Bangladesh Where Tarique Rahman Will Be Sworn In

Rising from the heart of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban stands as one of the world's largest and most striking legislative complexes, covering nearly 8,40,000 square metres, or about 210 acres. Known for its bold use of geometric forms like circles, triangles and rectangles, the monumental structure, built primarily of concrete and surrounded by an artificial lake, lawns and residential quarters for lawmakers, has long been regarded as a powerful national symbol of Bangladesh. (News18 Hindi)

The complex is divided into three principal sections - the Main Plaza, South Plaza and Presidential Plaza. The South Plaza, which faces Manik Mia Avenue, gradually rises to about 20 feet and serves as the primary entrance for members of parliament during sessions. It is also a prominent ceremonial space, where significant national events are held. The new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to take oath at this very plaza on February 17, adding to the site's political importance. From the outside, the grandeur of the structure, framed by open spaces and water bodies, leaves a lasting impression. (News18 Hindi)

Designed by renowned American architect Louis Kahn, a former professor at Yale University, the building also had the involvement of noted Bangladeshi architect Muzharul Islam as the local associate. Construction began in 1964, at a time when the region was still part of Pakistan. Following the Liberation War in 1971 and the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation, the responsibility for completing the project was taken over by the new government. The complex was finally completed in 1982, by which time Kahn had passed away, leaving behind what many consider his greatest architectural achievement. (News18 Hindi)

The parliament building rises across eight floors and features an octagonal design composed of nine separate blocks. Its architectural philosophy draws upon the concepts of 'soul' and 'peace', reflecting Bengali culture and heritage. Built with concrete and marble and elevated on a plinth to protect it from flooding, the structure is located in a vast open area that allows natural ventilation to flow through its corridors and chambers. The design is also said to draw inspiration from historic forms such as mosques and forts. (News18 Hindi)

Large circular cut-outs and expansive open spaces allow light to filter through the building, creating dramatic patterns of shadow throughout the day. Landscaped gardens further enhance the visual appeal of the complex, which is widely regarded by architects and scholars as a masterpiece of modern architecture and one of the most beautiful legislative buildings in the world. (News18 Hindi)

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the structure is a functional centre of governance. The main parliament hall can seat 354 members. Although the exact number of rooms has never been officially disclosed, the complex contains hundreds of spaces including offices, meeting rooms, lounges and accommodation facilities. The building reportedly has 1,605 doors, 335 windows, 365 ventilators and corridors stretching a combined length of 41.6 kilometres. (News18 Hindi)

Today, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is not just the seat of Bangladesh's parliament but also an enduring global icon of modernist design, blending monumental scale with symbolic meaning. (PTI Photo)