The once vibrant mural adorning the entrance of Kamalapur Stadium, dedicated to the memory of the valiant freedom fighter, Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Sepahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal, now bears scars of neglect and vandalism. The stadium, named after the heroic figure who sacrificed his life during the Liberation War of 1971, stands as a testament to his bravery, yet the artwork paying homage to his memory has fallen victim to indifference and damage.
Originally unveiled in 2003, the ceramic tile mural depicting Mostafa Kamal's gallantry has suffered significant deterioration over time. During a recent inspection, it was observed that scratches, dark spots, and dislodged tiles marred the once pristine artwork.
Moreover, a black and white poster, promoting a school's managing committee election, had been crudely affixed over the original mural, further exacerbating the damage.
Ruhul Amin, the current administrator of the stadium, expressed dismay upon learning about the state of the mural, stating that he had only assumed his duties three months prior and was unaware of the extent of the damage.
His predecessor, Jahangir Alam, who retired in December of the previous year, confirmed that the mural was intact during his tenure, suggesting that the vandalism likely occurred after his departure. The presence of a date on the poster, February 27, 2015, indicates that the defacement occurred years ago.
Mostafa Kamal, revered for his unparalleled courage and sacrifice during the Liberation War, exemplified the spirit of heroism that defined Bangladesh's struggle for independence. Born in 1947 in the village of West Hajipara, Mostafa Kamal joined the East Bengal Regiment in 1967, eventually deserting the Pakistan army to join the Liberation War effort in 1971.
His selfless act of providing covering fire to allow his fellow freedom fighters to retreat, despite facing overwhelming odds, earned him the highest military honour in Bangladesh, Bir Sreshtho, making him one of only seven recipients of this prestigious accolade.
Renowned not only for his bravery but also for his prowess in the boxing arena, Mostafa Kamal was a respected figure among his peers. Abdul Hakim, a former national boxing champion, reminisced about Mostafa Kamal's tenure as a boxer in the Army, highlighting his esteemed reputation within the sporting community.
When the matter of the damaged mural was brought to his attention, Md Shamsul Alam, the planning and development director of the National Sports Council, expressed regret over the condition of the artwork, pledging to initiate maintenance work promptly.
Assurances were given regarding the restoration of the mural to its former glory, ensuring that the legacy of Bir Sreshtho Mustafa Kamal remains honoured and revered.
