The mural at the Liberation War Memorial Stage adjacent to the Children’s Park on BDR Road in Lalmonirhat City has been demolished.
Bangla Tribune reports, workers dismantled the mural from Sunday morning to evening.
Speaking with the workers, it was learned that they were demolishing the mural under the directive of the Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner.
However, despite multiple calls, Deputy Commissioner HM Rakib Haider did not respond regarding the matter.
Helal Kabir, a journalist and convenor of the voluntary organization "Atikrom," said: "The mural was demolished as per the Deputy Commissioner's directive. He had also instructed it to be covered. No one else objected to this."
According to local sources, the mural at the Liberation War Memorial Stage near the Children's Park on BDR Road depicted key events, including the context of the 1952 Language Movement, the historic March 7 speech, the Liberation War, the formation of the Mujibnagar government, the dawn of a new era in an independent land, the genocide of 1971, the victorious freedom fighters celebrating, the seven Bir Sreshtho (highest gallantry award recipients), the surrender of the Pakistani forces, and people rejoicing with the national flag.
On the occasion of Independence Day and National Day last Wednesday, the district administration covered the mural with cloth, sparking intense reactions.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)-inspired Lalmonirhat Conscious Citizens’ Committee strongly condemned and protested the act.
On March 27, Deputy Commissioner HM Rakib Haider said: "Since the mural does not appear to be in harmony with the spirit of the 2024 July Revolution, it has been covered with cloth."
Two days later, on March 29, Rasel Ahmed, the organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in the northern region, held a press conference saying: "We do not want to place 1952 and 1971 in opposition to 2024."
On Sunday afternoon, TIB’s Area Coordinator, Md Morshed Alam, told Bangla Tribune: "We had previously protested against covering the mural of the Liberation War. I am currently on leave in my village home, and I am not aware of the mural’s demolition. Lalmonirhat Conscious Citizens’ Committee President, Bir Protik Captain (Retd.) Azizul Haque is unwell. We will all protest this later."
When asked about the issue, Rangpur Divisional Commissioner (Additional Secretary) Md. Shahidul Islam told Bangla Tribune, "The decision to demolish the mural was made by the Deputy Commissioner. You should ask him about it."
