Bangladesh to replace planned sculptures at historic sites

DHAKA: The Tarique Rahman administration has suggested replacing intended sculptures honoring Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's March 7, 1971 address and the December 16, 1971 capitulation of Pakistani forces with water fountains at Suhrawardy Udyan. This move is part of a broader initiative to redesign and repurpose the Independence Monument project, according to sources within the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

Originally called Ramna Race Course, Suhrawardy Udyan is a national memorial and public area situated in Dhaka. Spanning 95 acres, the site holds significant historical importance, marking the historic speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 7, 1971, urging resistance against the Pakistani regime, and the surrender of Pakistani forces on December 16, 1971, signaling the end of the Bangladesh War of Independence.

The project, named Construction of the Independence Monument at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, commenced in 2018 and was set to be finished by June 2027. Its original blueprint incorporated sculptures at the two historic sites. However, progress on the project has been halted since the government changeover in 2024.