Shikha Anirban being put out to 'save fuel'

As part of the government's fuel conservation programme, it has been decided to keep the eternal flame of 'Shikha Anirban' put out.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), this eternal flame, a memorial to the Liberation War located at the capital's Dhaka Cantonment, is not being kept burning continuously for now.

This decision has come into effect from May 2. However, the flame will be lit as before during national days, state events and military ceremonies, the ISPR said.

Recently, various discussions have started on social media regarding the issue of extinguishing the flame of Shikha Anirban.

The ISPR gave an official explanation on this matter. It was said that the government is implementing various measures to save electricity and fuel, considering the recent instability in the Middle East and the impact of the global energy situation. Under that programme, the continuous burning of the flame of Shikha Anirban has also been temporarily put out.

According to ISPR, this decision is only an administrative step to show restraint in fuel consumption. It has nothing to do with the historical importance of the memorial or the state's stance on the spirit of the Liberation War.

The organization also said that the Bangladesh Army is always committed to protecting the spirit of the Liberation War, the sacrifice of the martyrs and the dignity of national history. Shikha Anirban will continue to be respected and honored as an important symbol of that history.

According to the current instructions, the flame will be lit during national days, state tributes, military ceremonies and other important government events. However, it will be extinguished during other times, so that the government's energy conservation policy can be implemented.

According to analysts, although the temporary non-lighting of the flame of Shikha Anirban is a symbolic administrative decision, it is a reflection of the country's cost-cutting policy in energy management. However, at the same time, they believe that it is necessary to maintain the continuity of lighting the flame properly to preserve the historical status of such symbols associated with the memory of the Liberation War.

Shikha Anirban, located in Dhaka Cantonment, is a memorial built to commemorate the bravery, sacrifice and contribution of the armed forces members in the Liberation War. According to official records, it was inaugurated by the then President Ziaur Rahman on December 16, 1977. Since then, it has been considered one of the most important symbols of the country's military heritage and the memory of the Liberation War.