Authorities demolish covered mural at Lalmonirhat Liberation War Memorial Mancha

The district administration has demolished the mural at the 'Liberation War Memorial Mancha' near Shishu Park on BDR Road in Lalmonirhat town.

The mural, which depicted key moments of Bangladesh’s history, including the 1952 Language Movement, the historic March 7 speech, the Liberation War, and the surrender of the Pakistani army, was demolished on Sunday (March 30) following orders from the Deputy Commissioner.

The mural had been covered with cloth on 'Independence and National Day' (March 26), sparking strong public reactions. The Lalmonirhat Conscious Citizens Committee (SANAK), inspired by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), condemned the move.

Deputy Commissioner HM Rakib Haider had earlier stated that the mural was covered as it "did not align with the spirit of the July 2024 revolution." Meanwhile, at a press conference on Saturday (March 29), Rasel Ahmed of the National Citizens Party (NCP) remarked, "We do not want to put 1952 and 1971 against 2024."

TIB Area Coordinator Md Morshed Alam, who previously protested against covering the mural, expressed his unawareness of its demolition but indicated further protests would follow. Lalmonirhat SANAK President Bir Pratik Captain (Retd.) Azizul Haque is reportedly unwell.

Journalist Helal Kabir, convener of the voluntary organization Atikram, confirmed that both the covering and demolition were carried out on the Deputy Commissioner’s orders.

Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam stated that the decision was made by the Deputy Commissioner, and he would seek clarification. However, Deputy Commissioner HM Rakib Haider did not respond to multiple calls for comment.