Seated on a sofa with neatly combed hair, donning a crisp black suit and polished shoes, holding a pair of sunglasses, lending an air of authority and thoughtfulness, father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is seen at the newly built Mujib Battery Complex's Artillery Museum at the Artillery Centre and School in Halishahar cantonment in Chattogram.
At first glance, one might mistake the statue for the living enigma as his presence is so lifelike and captivating. However, it slowly becomes clear that it is rather a work of art made by a sculptor. If only life could be breathed into the figure, he would surely engage in discussions about his dreams of Sonar Bangla. This extraordinary sculpture, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, is on display at Chattogram's Artillery Museum.
A life-size wax statue of the founding father of Bangladesh, meticulously crafted to resemble the iconic leader, is housed on the ground floor of the newly constructed 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex' within the Halisahar cantonment of Chattogram.
This lifelike effigy, reminiscent of the world-renowned Madame Tussauds Museum of London, has been created to commemorate Bangabandhu's unparalleled contributions and convey his legacy and ideals to the younger generation.
Bangabandhu's ideals and legacies are deeply intertwined with the history of Bangladesh's liberation struggle and with the artillery regiment formed in 1971. The first Battery unit of the regiment was named 'Mujib Battery', after the glorious leader. Therefore, it is befitting that this hyper-realistic statue has been installed in the Artillery Museum to honour the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This hyper-realistic effigy was primarily conceptualised by the Commandant of the Artillery Centre and School Brigadier General ANM Manzoorul Haque Mazumder and constructed under his direct supervision from China.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the museum on April 21, and it will soon be opened to inspire the people.
The lifelike effigy
The name Madame Tussauds is synonymous with incredibly realistic wax sculptures of renowned figures. Founded by the French artist Marie Tussauds in London, the museum showcases an impressive collection, including scientists Albert Einstein and football legend Lionel Messi.
Now, the artillery museum of Chattogram honours father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with a similar lifelike effigy.
This remarkable sculpture, meticulously crafted from silicone, tries to capture the essence of Bangabandhu. His attire – complete with his signature spectacles, pipe, and shoes – closely resembles what he often wore. The painstaking attention to detail extends to his hair, which consists of individual strands of natural human hair meticulously attached for an uncanny resemblance. The entire creation process for this hyper-realistic effigy took a dedicated two months and ten days.
The essence of the leader
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a man of unwavering resolve tempered with a deep well of compassion. His boundless love for his country and its people shone through in every word and action. This sculpture captures the essence of Bangabandhu's facial expression, depicting him in his prime, at the age of 47.
The sculptor has meticulously portrayed Bangabandhu's characteristic gaze, reflecting his wisdom and determination. The gentle curve of his lips hints at his warmth and empathy, while the firmness of his jawline conveys his unwavering strength. The overall expression exudes an aura of confidence and authority, qualities that were instrumental in guiding Bangladesh towards independence and shaping its destiny.
A reflection of resolve
In the aftermath of Bangladesh's liberation, Bangabandhu embarked on an extraordinary mission to rebuild the war-torn nation. His visionary leadership and unwavering determination were instrumental in guiding Bangladesh through its formative years. This sculpture captures the essence of his resolve, mirroring his posture and attire in a photograph taken during a meeting with the then-president of the United States Gerald Ford.
The humble Dhanmondi 32
The Dhanmondi residence holds a weighty significance in Bangladesh's history. It was here that Bangabandhu spent his final days before his tragic assassination in 1975. Recognising the deep connection between this house and Bangabandhu's legacy, the hyper-realistic effigy has been installed as if it is the living room of this historic structure, recreating the ambience of the space where the father of the nation once resided.
Enriched artillery museum
Nestled within the Halishahar Cantonment, the Artillery Museum is a testament to Bangladesh's artillery regiment's rich history and heritage. Situated on the ground floor of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex, the museum houses not only Bangabandhu's hyper-realistic effigy but also a methodically curated collection of artefacts and exhibits that chronicle the regiment's remarkable history.
Stepping into the museum's galleries, visitors are immediately greeted by an awe-inspiring sight – an anti-aircraft missile soaring towards the heavens. Flanking it to the left is an observer's telescope, a silent sentinel that once pinpointed enemy positions. A short distance further, visitors encounter the first 3.7-inch Howitzer (cannon) ever used by the Mujib Battery. This replica, crafted to resemble the historic photograph taken during the Liberation War, is a poignant reminder of the artillery's crucial role in Bangladesh's struggle for independence.
Ascending the stairs on the museum's eastern side, visitors discover another 3.7-inch cannon, accompanied by a life-sized replica. These two cannons, which roared against the invading forces during the Feni Operation on September 12, 1971, bear witness to the artillery's unwavering valour and commitment to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty.
Beyond the captivating effigy of Bangabandhu, the Artillery Museum offers various signature items of Bangladesh's military heritage. The museum pays solemn tribute to heroes like Lieutenant GM Mushfiqur Rahman (Bir Uttom). His uniform, diary, and simple personal belongings testify his courage and his ultimate sacrifice made for the country in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The museum does not forget its commanders either.
Dedicated exhibits showcase the uniforms and medals of former artillery chiefs, Lieutenant General Atiqur Rahman and General Aziz Ahmed, honouring their invaluable contributions to Bangladesh's defence. A poignant reminder of Bangabandhu's connection to the artillery is a historic note displayed in the museum. Written during his 1972 visit to the Mujib Battery in Cumilla Cantonment, the note extends his heartfelt greetings and admiration for their bravery in safeguarding the nation.
The museum allows visitors to learn about the Mujib Battery, Rawshan Ara Battery, and Rocket Battery, all of which played a significant role in the 1971 Liberation War. Large boards showcase the history of the Artillery Centre and School at Halishahar since its founding in 1976. Near-perfect replicas of every gun and large weapons ever used by the Artillery Regiment are on display.
The museum also houses real ammunition and bullet casings used in battles along with the names of those from the artillery regiment who were martyred in Bangladesh's liberation struggle, operations in the Chattogram hill tracts, and UN peacekeeping missions, are displayed on pillars. Commemorative military items gifted by domestic and foreign dignitaries are also displayed here as mementoes.
Near the west door, replicas of four ancient artillery pieces used in Persian, Roman, and Greek warfare are displayed in prominence. Overall, the preserved items and historical information on each pillar tell the glorious story of the Artillery Regiment dedicated to their motherland.
Mujib Battery
Emerging as the nation's first artillery unit, Mujib Battery, now known as the Mujib Artillery Regiment, is a testament to Bangladesh's artillery forces' unwavering spirit and dedication. Amidst the raging Liberation War of 1971, Mujib Battery commenced its journey as Bangladesh's first artillery unit, named after the father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Established under the 'K-Force' to provide direct fire support to the 4-East Bengal Regiment, Mujib Battery was initially equipped with six 3.7-inch Howitzers.
On August 10, 1971, the Supreme Commander of the 1971 Liberation War, General MAG Osmani, officially inaugurated Mujib Battery. Initially, the Indian 59-Mountain Artillery Regiment assumed the responsibility of training the battery. Subsequently, on August 22, Captain Azizul Pasha took charge of the battery.
Within a mere week of its formation, Mujib Battery's cannons showcased their prowess, effectively deployed on the battlefield to decimate the enemy. Throughout the war, this unit played a pivotal role in notable battles, including the ones in Kayempur of Kasba Upazila, Saldanodi, Akhaura Upazila, and Nazirhat, its precise fire accelerating the Mukti force's victories.
Following the independence, on April 1, 1972, Mujib Battery was elevated to regimental status, forming the 1-Field Artillery Regiment. Honouring the father of the nation, the regiment was later renamed Mujib Regiment on February 23, 2021.
