A memorial for the seven Bir Shreshtas, Liberation War martyrs who were awarded the highest military honours for valour during the war, is being erected by the side of the capital’s Airport Road.
Authorities concerned said seven rust-coloured conical towers, the construction of which began May last year near the Radisson Hotel, would represent the seven war heroes.
Named Bir Shaptak Towers, the structure is being made with steel bars and net, with the heights of the separate conical towers ranging between 45 to 100 feet.
Different types of climbing plants are also being used at the site of the towers, which would also have a computer-operated digital multiplex (DMX) lighting system.
Special Workers Organisation (west) of Bangladesh Army is constructing the towers, designed by EK Architects Chairman Ehsan Khan, while Abdul Gaffar, chief lighting consultant of Ambiance Limited, will provide the lighting system.
Officials of the Special Workers Organisation (SWO) said the towers represent the Bir Shreshtas – who are the base and consciousness of the nation, while the climbing plants would represent the new generation who are going ahead with the inspiration of the Bir Shreshta.
Abdul Gaffar, in-charge of the lighting, told the Dhaka Tribune: “The DMX-controlled lighting system will be the first to be installed in any establishment in Bangladesh.”
He said different coloured lights would illuminate the memorial every evening on weekdays, while special colours would be used for weekends. On special days like Independence Day, Victory Day or Mother Language Day, lighting will be used to highlight the day’s importance, Gaffar added.
Saying the computer-controlled lighting system would not need an operator, he added that the lights would automatically turn on in the evening and turn off again in the morning. The lights would stay on during cloudy days, the lighting specialist added.
Gaffar also said the lighting process is expected to be completed by March 15 and start operating from March 16, on the opening day of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup.
Seeking anonymity, an SWO official told the Dhaka Tribune: “We will mostly try to start the lighting show from the opening day of the T20 World Cup.
“The towers were made to represent our seven Bir Shreshtas to the nation and also for foreigners who visit Bangladesh,” he said.
The army official added that foreigners would be able to learn about the history of the Liberation War and the war heroes when they travel on the Airport Road or stay at the Radisson Hotel.
The official, however, declined to comment on the cost of the project.
