Mural of Liberation War Memorial Mural Demolished in Lalmonirhat

Local Correspondent

The mural of the Liberation War Memorial Stage, located beside the children’s park on BDR Road in Lalmonirhat town, has been demolished. Workers completed the demolition from morning to afternoon on Sunday, March 30.

According to the workers, they carried out the demolition following the instructions of the Lalmonirhat deputy commissioner. However, repeated attempts to contact Deputy Commissioner H.M. Rakib Haider for comments were unsuccessful as he did not receive calls.

Helal Kabir, convener of the volunteer organization Atikrom, stated that the mural was dismantled under direct orders from the deputy commissioner and was previously covered on his instructions. No one else raised objections.

Local sources reported that the mural depicted the 1952 Language Movement, the historic March 7 speech, the Liberation War, the formation of the Mujibnagar government, the 1971 genocide, the victory of freedom fighters, the seven Bir Sreshtho, the surrender of the Pakistani forces, and jubilant crowds holding the national flag. On Independence Day, the district administration had covered the mural with fabric, sparking strong reactions. The Lalmonirhat Conscious Citizens Committee (SONAK) condemned and protested the move.

On March 27, Deputy Commissioner Rakib Haider stated that the mural was covered as it did not align with the ideals of the 2024 July Revolution. Two days later, on March 29, Rasel Ahmed, organizer of the Northern Region of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), said at a press conference, “We do not want to place 1952 and 1971 against 2024.”

On Sunday afternoon, Morshed Alam, area coordinator of TIB, told Bangla Tribune that they had previously protested covering the mural. He was on leave in his hometown and was unaware of its demolition. Lalmonirhat SONAK President Bir Protik Captain (Retd.) Azizul Haque is currently unwell, and they plan to protest the incident later.

Rangpur Divisional Commissioner (Additional Secretary) Md. Shahidul Islam stated that the decision to demolish the mural was made by the deputy commissioner, and inquiries regarding the matter should be directed to him.