Bangladesh: Mural at Liberation War Memorial Veiled During Independence Day Observance
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Synopsis
The mural at the Liberation War Memorial in Lalmonirhat was covered during Independence Day celebrations, sparking nationwide backlash. Critics have called it a shameless act that interferes with the history of Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- Mural covering during Independence Day sparks outrage
- Local authorities cited demand from Students Against Discrimination
- Mural represents key historical events of Bangladesh
- Criticism from civic groups and political leaders
- Renaming of roads and memorials under the Yunus government
Dhaka, March 27 (NationPress) The mural of the Liberation War Memorial Mancha in Lalmonirhat district was shrouded with cloth as Bangladesh commemorated its Independence Day, prompting widespread condemnation from citizens nationwide who labeled it a “shameless interference” in the historical narrative of the Bengali people.
According to local media, district administration representatives indicated that the mural was covered in response to a demand made by the student organization Students Against Discrimination (SAD), which claimed it “does not align” with the essence of the July Revolution.
The mural depicts significant events including the 1950s language movement, the iconic March 7 speech, the War of Independence, the establishment of the Mujibnagar government, the dawn of a new era in the independent nation, the 1971 genocide by Pakistan, the triumphant freedom fighters, the seven great heroes, the surrender of the Pakistani forces, the jubilant crowd waving the national flag, among other pivotal moments.
SAD, along with various student organizations, had instigated the violent upheaval in July, resulting in the ousting of the democratically elected government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Lalmonirhat Conscious Citizens Committee (Sonak) and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) vocally criticized and protested against the actions of the interim government under Muhammad Yunus.
“If the mural memorial placed at the Liberation War memorial site near Lalmonirhat Shishu Park is deemed inappropriate for the current context, authorities should dismantle it rather than resorting to a circus of covering it on special occasions while allowing it to remain visible throughout the year,” Sufi Mohammad, General Secretary of the Lalmonirhat Sammilit Sanskritik Forum, expressed on social media.
In a conversation with Bangladesh's prominent Bengali daily, Prothom Alo, Lalmonirhat Sonak President Azizul Haque remarked that the mural at the Liberation War Memorial Hall encapsulates crucial events from the 1952 Language Movement to the grand Liberation War of 1971. Covering such a mural on December 16 and March 26 is indefensible.
He emphasized that such administrative actions starkly contradict the spirit of the Liberation War, coinciding with Bangladesh's Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has renamed various roads, buildings, and structures that were previously dedicated to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his family, and leaders of the Awami League. For instance, Bangabandhu Avenue has been renamed to Shaheed Abrar Fahad Avenue, as per an order from the DSCC.
Since the inception of the Yunus government in August 2024, approximately 1500 sculptures, murals, and memorials have experienced vandalism, arson, and destruction nationwide.
