Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman’s sculpture ‘temporarily’ removed in Narsingdi

The sculpture of Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman, built beside the Dhaka–Sylhet highway in Raipura upazila of Narsingdi, has been removed as part of a project to upgrade the highway to six lanes.

Raipura Upazila Nirbahi Officer Masud Rana told the media that the sculpture was temporarily removed with the consent of Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman’s family.

He said construction work to rebuild the sculpture on a larger scale will begin from tomorrow beside the highway, beyond the area designated for road renovation.

Confusion spread among the public after videos and photos of the removal went viral on social media. A one-minute video circulating on Facebook shows the sculpture being removed using an excavator, with police and concerned officials present at the scene.

Following the video going viral, allegations emerged that misleading information and rumours were being spread from various Facebook accounts.

According to upazila administration sources, the Roads and Highways Department temporarily removed the sculpture solely to ensure the smooth implementation of the highway expansion project. There was no intention of disrespect or neglect towards Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman. The removal was carried out purely for construction convenience.

The administration said reconstruction of the sculpture will begin from tomorrow, following the previous design and structure, but on a larger scale. The new sculpture will measure 20 feet by 20 feet, compared to the previous 16 feet by 16 feet, so that it is more visible from a distance.

Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman is one of Bangladesh’s seven Bir Sreshthos. Driven by deep love for the country, he attempted to return home with a fighter aircraft from a Pakistani airbase to take part in the Liberation War, but was martyred after the aircraft crashed. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice, he was awarded the country’s highest state honour, the title of ‘Bir Sreshtho’.

Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman’s ancestral home is in the Ramnagar area of Raipura upazila in Narsingdi. To preserve his memory and present his legacy to future generations, a museum was built at his village home in 2008. A sculpture in his name was also installed beside the Dhaka–Sylhet highway at Mahmudaabad Namapara in Raipura upazila.