Prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture committee visits Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar

NEWS DESK

A five-member delegation from the “Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA)” committee visited the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday.

Former adviser to the caretaker government and chairperson of Brac Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, along with senior officials from the organization, joined the delegation during the visit.

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman emphasized that development should prioritize environmental protection over environmental damage.

In the context of Cox’s Bazar, a region surrounded by mountains and the sea, environmental protection holds significant importance, he said.

A five-member delegation from the “Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA)” committee visits the Rohingya camps in Cox`s Bazar on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Photo: Courtesy

Dr Hossain Zillur also stated that this prestigious recognition from the “Aga Khan Award for Architecture” would serve as great motivation to construct environment-friendly structures in the Rohingya camps.

Director of Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) Farrokh Derakhshani stated that this award recognition is not limited to individuals; it also acknowledges larger-scale partnerships.

Bangladesh has been honoured for six innovative structures with the prestigious ‘Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA)’ for the year 2022.

These structures showcased innovative, environment-friendly designs and community centres in the Rohingya camps and the host community in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.

Brac has been awarded for five of these structures: four are located at Camp 1 East, Camp 3, Camp 4 Extension, and one in the host community in Ratna Palong, Ukhiya.

International development organization, ActionAid also received recognition for an additional structure in the Rohingya camp.

The delegation visited Camp 4 Extension, Camp 3, Camp 11, Camp 18, Camp 2 West, and Camp 5.

At Camp 4 Extension, they visited Brac’s women-friendly centre, community centre, and various exhibition centres, engaging with members of the Rohingya community.

During this visit, the delegation stressed the importance of constructing environmentally friendly facilities within the Rohingya camps.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Takween Integrated Community Development and on-site review expert for AKAA Kareem Ibrahim, Resident diplomatic representative of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Munir Merali, steering committee member of AKAA Marina Tabassum and architect of the organization Saif Ul Haque were part of the delegation.

Dr Md Akramul Islam, senior director of Brac, Rezaul Karim, program head and office in charge, Md Emamul Hoque, program head and other senior officials of Brac Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme (HCMP) were also present during the visit.

Prior to the visit on Tuesday, Brac HCMP, with the support of ActionAid, organized an event to celebrate the recognition received at the “Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA)” for 2022 at a hotel in Cox’s Bazar on Monday.

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, former advisor of the caretaker government and chairperson of Brac, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, refugee relief and repatriation commissioner (RRRC), Mohammad Shamsud Douza, additional RRRC, Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, Farrokh Derakhshani, director of Aga Khan Award for Architecture, Munir Merali, resident diplomatic representative of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Marina Tabassum, steering committee member of Aga Khan Award for Architecture, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Dr Md Akramul Islam, senior director, Brac, gave the welcome address.

Mizanur Rahman emphasized the importance of establishing safe and environmentally friendly centres within the camp to promote environmental protection.

A video highlighting the significance of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture was also screened.

Following this, a cultural programme featuring local artists was held as part of the program’s conclusion.

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture is one of the most highly prestigious awards in the world and underscores efforts to ensure the safety of Rohingya women and children in the camps.