52 prominent citizens issue statement condemning vandalism of Rafiqul Islam Mural

A group of 52 eminent citizens — including writers, academics, artists, and human rights activists — have issued a strong statement condemning the recent vandalism of a mural honouring Rafiqul Islam, the language activist and freedom fighter credited with initiating the proposal for International Mother Language Day.

The mural, located in Cumilla and built under the supervision of the district administration at the initiative of Islam's family, was reportedly damaged by unidentified miscreants. The act has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among cultural and intellectual circles who view it as an attack on national history and values.

"This is not just the defacement of an artwork — it is a direct insult to the Language Movement, our Liberation War, and the spirit of independence," the statement reads. 'Such attacks are part of a broader conspiracy against liberal democratic ideals and the cultural identity of sovereign Bangladesh."

The statement, circulated via a press release from poet and essayist Arif Nazrul on Saturday (June 28), called the vandalism a "shameful" act and criticized the local administration for its silence and inaction. "The administration's failure to prevent or respond to this incident reflects a troubling lack of commitment to protecting national heritage and honoring those who fought for our freedom," it added.

Rafiqul Islam, who passed away in 2021, played a pivotal role in the international recognition of February 21 as International Mother Language Day by UNESCO. The citizens' statement emphasized that any attack on his legacy is an affront to the national conscience.

The signatories also expressed concern over plans to dismantle seven structures of the 'Mrityunjayi Prangan', a prominent memorial to the Language Movement and Liberation War at Bijoy Sarani in Dhaka, to make way for a proposed 'July Gana Minar'. While not opposing the creation of new monuments, they criticized the demolition of existing heritage sites.

"Building a monument to uphold the July spirit could be done elsewhere in the capital. Replacing one symbol of national pride with another only creates unnecessary controversy and erodes historical continuity," the statement said.

They urged authorities to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible for vandalizing the mural and called for immediate steps to preserve all monuments linked to Bangladesh's struggle for language and independence.

Among the signatories are economist MM Akash, Ekushey Padak-winning writer and freedom fighter Dr Nurun Nabi, novelist Ishaq Khan, artist and freedom fighter Tajul Imam, singer Dr Maqbul Hossain, novelist Rafiqur Rashid, and numerous other academics, poets, journalists, and cultural figures from Bangladesh and abroad.

The statement concluded with a call to action: "Every memorial of the Language Movement and the Liberation War is a part of our collective identity. It is the moral duty of every citizen and the legal responsibility of the state to protect them from desecration."