Two crumbling buildings, relics of a bygone era, have become a looming threat to nearly 20,000 people who frequent the Amtali Upazila Senior Judicial Magistrate Court in Barguna.
Built more than half a century ago, the abandoned structures now stand as silent hazards, shedding bricks and cement onto a passage used daily by litigants, lawyers and court staff.
A recent visit to the site paints a troubling picture. The narrow main entrance to the court runs directly between the two decaying, two-storey buildings, forcing thousands of visitors each day to pass beneath unstable walls. Chunks of masonry have already fallen, heightening fears that a sudden collapse could trigger a serious disaster.
The buildings were constructed in 1975 by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) to store machinery and equipment.
Around 15 years ago, the local administration declared them abandoned. Since then, neglect has taken its toll. Weeds and creepers now blanket the walls, giving the structures a haunted appearance that unsettles court-goers even before they step inside.
Concerns over safety have been raised repeatedly by those who use the court.
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“Every day, thousands of people come and go through the court entrance at their own risk,” said Md Abubakar, a member of the court staff, adding, “These buildings are extremely vulnerable and could collapse at any moment, causing severe casualties.”
Justice seekers share the same anxiety.
Abdul Majed Master, who regularly visits the court, said the structures are not only an eyesore but a grave danger. “These abandoned buildings spoil the image of the court and pose a serious risk to life. They must be evicted immediately,” he said.
Former local ward councillor Jannatul Ferdous echoed the concern, warning that the hazardous condition of the buildings undermines the dignity of the court and endangers everyone passing through its entrance.
