Institute of Architects Bangladesh

Brief History

Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) was established on February 25th, 1972 in Dhaka. The IAB is a professional institution to safeguard, promote and develop the profession of architecture in Bangladesh. The members of the Institute are morally bound to practice the profession according to rules, regulation and ethics established by it. The Institute is run by a eleven-member Executive Committee that the members elect for a two-year term.

Membership Strength

There are 4 categories of membership, namely Honorary Member, Member, Candidate Member and Student Member. Only Members have voting rights. The current membership strength of the Institute is   Member: 604, Candidate Member: 345, Student Member 68. Out of the above members in different categories, 700 are now working in the country and rest are abroad.

Financial Resource

Funds of IAB are raised from the following sources: -

(a)        Admission Fees and Annual Subscription of the members.
(b)        Fund raising activities such as building material exhibition, publications etc.
(c)        Financial Grant from the Government through the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.

Every year the Treasurer of the Institute prepares a budget, which the Executive Committee approves. The Treasurer is also responsible for preparing the audited accounts and the Balance Sheets, which are presented at the Biennial General Meeting.

Chapters

At present IAB has no chapter. But there is provision to establish chapter in different regions of Bangladesh, where the number of architects is at least 100. The Executive Committee would formulate rules and regulation for operation of a Chapter if formed.

There is also provision for formation of branch offices of IAB at different parts of Bangladesh, where the numbers of practicing architects are between 10 and 100. At present IAB has two branch offices, one at Chittagong and the other at Khulna. The branch offices operate through sub-committee accountable to the Executive Committee of the Institute.

AGM/Congress

The Biennial General Meeting (BGM) is held once in every two years to consider and adopt the yearly accounts and balance sheet and the general reports of the Executive Committee. Election of the subsequent Executive Committee is held in the BGM. As and when necessary, Extra-ordinary General Meetings are convened to transact any specific or urgent business.
The last BGM was held on August 26, 2005, when Election for the Sixteenth Executive Committee was held.

Legal Status of the Institute

The institute is registered with the Government as a Society under provision of law and hence IAB has a legal basis in the Country. Registered Society number of IAB: S-1816(105/97). Govt. Of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh recognises the IAB as the only organisation to represent architects of the country. The members are morally bound to practice the profession according to the rules, regulations and ethics IAB establishes. The Institute has mandate of its members to represent them to deal with any matter related to the profession of Architecture in Bangladesh.

Legal Status of the Architect

There is no legal status of the Architect in the country and the title “architect” is not protected by law. The IAB is trying hard to get enactment of a law protecting the status and title of “architect”.

There is no registration council or body for the architects in the country at this moment. A draft of “Architects Act” was prepared and submitted to the Government for approval. On 18th June 2001 the Cabinet approved this draft. A bill in the name and style of 'Architects Act' was placed in the parliament.  Despite opposition from a quarter of less qualified professionals, we are optimistic that the bill will be passed some time in future. The IAB is grateful to ARCASIA Council and of all the Member countries of ARCASIA for providing moral support in this regard.

International Affiliations

IAB is affiliated with the following International Architectural Bodies:

UIA             :     Union of International Architects             
CAA           :     Commonwealth Association of Architects
ARCASIA    :     Architects Regional Council for ASIA      
SAARCH     :     South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation of Architects

Resources of the Institute

(a)The institute has an acre of land allocated by the Government near Parliament Complex in Dhaka, on which it is contemplating to develop its own premise.

(b)The present office of the Institute is in a rented building at House 11, Road 04, Dhanmondi, Dhaka -1205

(c)The Institute has a moderate library; with 500 books, reports and journals.