No liberation war memorial in Chuadanga

As the nation celebrates the 50 years of independence Chuadanga goes without a memorial of the glorious liberation war.

Chuadanga was an important place during the liberation war. It bears some bitter memories of the war.

Pakistani soldiers entered Chuadanga from Meherpur on foot on December 6, 1971 days before the final victory in the war on December 16.

They blew up the bridge over Mathavanga River on the same day so that the freedom fighters could not reach them. When Pakistani soldiers left Chuadanga and Alamdanga for Kushtia on the following day, Chuadanga became completely free from the enemy.

Fifty years have gone by, but no mausoleum has yet been built in Chuadanga. The lone Memorial plaque located in Saheed Hasan’s Square in the district town remained neglected around the year except for national days.

Though a monument was built at Hasan Square in 1994, it was demolished, citing as illegal. As there is no monument, the people of Chuadanga pay their respect to martyrs at that Memorial Plaque. On December 7, Chuadanga district was freed from the clutches of the Pakistani Army.

Since then, this day has been observed by people from different socio-organizations and political parties in a befitting manner. This year, there was no difference. The District Administration paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the Memorial Plaque.

Meanwhile, people from all walks of life, including journalists, freedom fighters gathered before the Memorial Plaque to pay homage.

But problems arose when people saw that the plaque premises were still unkempt and began to clean it just before the programme.

Former professor of Chuadanga municipal college, Sheikh Selim said the municipality authorities should take effective steps to keep the place clean. They should appoint someone to take care of this plaque and its premises. “I hope authorities will keep their eye on it”, he said.

Abu Hossain, former commander of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Chuadanga District Unit, said, “We paid tributes by placing wreaths and hoisting the flag at the plaque at 7 am. But it hurts me when I see that the place remained neglected.”

Chuadanga municipality mayor Jahangir Alam Malik Khokon said that it was not possible to keep the premises neat and clean due to people's lack of awareness. The side wall had collapsed and is being repaired, he said.