‘July Martyrs Memorial’ being constructed in front of Bangabandhu's erased mural

The July Martyrs Memorial is being constructed on the platform in front of the mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which was previously erased. Construction began on Wednesday morning (July 16) near the C&DB crossing, right before the mural site.

Officials expect the work to be completed by Sunday (July 20) and plan to open the memorial to the public for homage on August 5.

The site, located in front of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) headquarters, belongs to the district council. The Rajshahi City Corporation had built the Sheikh Mujib mural at a cost of 52 million taka. The mural measures 58 feet in height and 40 feet in width. Terracotta work covering 700 square feet was done on either side of the mural’s boundary walls, depicting various folk cultural scenes from rural Bengal. The terracotta also illustrated historical moments from the Language Movement to the Liberation War, complemented by granite landscaping.

However, following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, the mural suffered attacks, including damage to the terracotta work. Though the mural itself remained standing, Sheikh Mujib’s portrait was painted over with white in February this year.

Rashedul Islam, Executive Engineer of Rajshahi Public Works Department-1, confirmed that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs requested the construction of July Martyrs Memorials across 64 districts, including Rajshahi. The memorial in Rajshahi will stand 18 feet tall and is estimated to cost around 1.2 million taka.

“The names of all martyrs from Rajshahi’s mass uprising will be inscribed on the memorial,” Rashedul said. “Five names have been retrieved from the official gazette. Popular slogans from the July student and public movements will also be featured.” He added that the project aims to finish by July 20 and open on August 5 for public tribute.

Md. Nahidul Islam (Saju), convener of the Rajshahi District Anti-discrimination Student Movement and joint coordinator of the National Citizens= Party (NCP), said the location was chosen because it is visible from the roadside and accessible to the public. “The mural of Sheikh Mujib at this site has been decided to be demolished,” he added.

He further noted that if the memorial were not constructed here, the government-owned site would remain unused and deteriorate. “We have looked at alternative locations from Talimari to Alupotti but found none suitable. Despite controversy, this site was chosen for the memorial’s construction. Due to time constraints, the mural will likely be demolished soon.”

Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar commented, “The site was chosen by consensus after considering multiple options. The July freedom fighters themselves selected and approved this location.”