A monument in the memory of the Liberation War martyrs lies under construction for 18 years now in front of the Freedom Fighters Complex in Moulvibazar.
According to the Moulvibazar Muktijoddha Sangsad, in 1996, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad allocated Tk1 lakh fund for constructing the monument by the side of historically significant Monu River in the district.
Adding a few more funds collected locally, the construction work started to roll on, however, it discontinued after spending around Tk1.5 lakh and had been at a halt since then.
Upon a visit, the holy spot was found filled with moss, bamboo traders occupied most of the premises by stocking their bamboos for sale.
However, different local organisations including the district administration place floral wreaths there every year on December 8, the day Moulvibazar was freed from the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971.
During the 1971 Liberation War, the Pakistani occupation forces set up camps on both sides of the Monu River by which the half-done monument lies today.
They used to harass the passers-by on the bridge over the river, while, many a times they have shot local Bangalis, particularly the supporters of the freedom fighters, and threw their bodies into the river.
In retaliation, the freedom fighters demolished the bridge to disrupt communication among the Pakistani military forces.
Later the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) took the initiative to build a memorial there to uphold the history of the Liberation War to forthcoming generations. Moulvibazar Freedom Fighters’ Unity Commander Jamal Uddin said Tk15 lakh was needed for completing the monument following design.
Despite repeated plea to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, no fund was allocated.
“The ministry said they provide funds for new projects only, not the half-done or old ones,” said the commander.
Besides, in 2010, the Local Government Engineering Department, RHD and engineers of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works Moulvibazar office made a draft budget of Tk65 lakh to build a park around the monument spreading up to the bank of Monu River.
However, the project never saw light as the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs did not approve it.
While contacted over the matter, Utpol Shumonto, an engineer of Moulvibazar RHD office, said: “Our office does not have any fund allocated for this project. However, if the freedom fighters’ unity takes up the project then Roads and Highways Department can provide assistance.”
