News
Nepali Parliament Building Remains in Ruins Months After Vandalism, Arson
Six months after it was damaged during protests, the parliament building in Kathmandu remains unrepaired. The Federal Parliament Secretariat will not renew its lease on the building.
The parliament building at the Birendra International Convention Centre (BICC) in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, remains in ruins following vandalism and arson during protests last September. The site, once the heartbeat of Nepali democracy, shows no signs of planned cleanup or reconstruction. Employees are reportedly reluctant to enter the compound, fearing the collapse of fire-weakened structures. The BICC is managed by the Special Structure Operation and Management Development Committee under the Ministry of Urban Development. The Federal Parliament Secretariat had been leasing the facility since May 27, 2008, but has decided against renewal. Preparations are underway to shift parliamentary meetings to the new parliament building at Singha Durbar.
Key Facts
- The parliament building in Kathmandu remains damaged six months after vandalism and arson.
- The Birendra International Convention Centre (BICC) is in New Baneshwor.
- The Federal Parliament Secretariat will not be renewing its lease agreement for the building.
- The site was where Constituent Assembly members took their oath of office.
- Nepal was declared a republic at the BICC on May 28, 2008.
- The BICC served as the meeting place for both the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.
- Parliamentary meetings are being moved to the new parliament building at Singha Durbar.