National Martyrs’ Memorial

The National Martyrs’ Memorial of Bangladesh is a monument located in Savar, Dhaka, dedicated to the martyrs who died during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The monument was designed by Syed Mainul Hossain and inaugurated on December 16, 1982, the 11th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence.

The monument is a towering structure, 150 feet high, made of concrete and shaped like a truncated pyramid. It consists of seven triangular planes, each of which is progressively smaller as it rises towards the top. The planes are separated by narrow strips of water, which are meant to represent the rivers of Bangladesh. At the top of the monument, there is a flame, symbolizing the eternal flame of freedom.

The monument is set in a vast open space, surrounded by gardens and walkways. The walkways are lined with trees and flowers, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors to reflect and pay their respects to the martyrs.

The National Martyrs’ Memorial is not only a symbol of the sacrifices made by the martyrs, but also a symbol of the resilience and determination of the Bangladeshi people. The monument serves as a reminder of the struggle for independence and the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military during the war.

The Liberation War, which began on March 26, 1971, was a nine-month-long armed conflict between East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan. The conflict arose from the political and economic discrimination against East Pakistan by the West Pakistani ruling elite. The Bengali people of East Pakistan were marginalized and oppressed, and their demands for greater autonomy and political rights were ignored.

The war resulted in the deaths of an estimated three million people, with many more injured, tortured, or raped. The Pakistani military launched a brutal crackdown on the Bengali population, and civilians were targeted in a campaign of mass murder and rape. The scale and intensity of the violence led to one of the largest refugee crises in history, with millions of Bengalis fleeing to India to escape the violence.

The Liberation War ended on December 16, 1971, when the Pakistani army surrendered to the joint forces of the Indian army and the Mukti Bahini (Bangladesh Liberation Army). The war resulted in the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation, and December 16 is celebrated as Victory Day in Bangladesh.

The National Martyrs’ Memorial is a symbol of the struggle for independence and the sacrifices made by the martyrs. The monument serves as a tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives for the cause of freedom and to the resilience and determination of the Bangladeshi people. The monument is also an important site for remembrance and reflection, and a reminder of the importance of upholding the values of democracy, human rights, and justice.

Every year, on February 21, Bangladesh observes Shaheed Dibas (Martyrs’ Day), in memory of the language movement martyrs of 1952, and on December 16, Victory Day is celebrated throughout the country. The National Martyrs’ Memorial is an important site for these celebrations, and a place where people can come together to remember and honour the sacrifices made by the martyrs.

Editorial Desk