Important Sculptures and Monuments in Bangladesh

ByMd. Mizanur Rahaman Mizan Published on 0

Sculptures and monuments are powerful media of art to depict significant things. Many sculptures and monuments have been installed across the country commemorating the history and traditions of Bangladesh. Sculptures and monuments are placed all over Bangladesh focusing on language movement, liberation war, history of the liberation war, native culture, and tradition.

Table of contents

National Martyrs’ Memorial

NameNational Martyrs’ Memorial
ArchitectSyed Mainul Hossain
LocationSavar, Dhaka
National Martyr's Memorial, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
National Martyr’s Memorial, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Introduction to the monument

The National Martyrs’ Memorial or simply National Memorial is a national monument in Bangladesh dedicated to those who died during the Independence war in 1971, which resulted in independence and the separation of Bangladesh from Pakistan. The monument is located at Savar, Dhaka.

History of setting up National Memorial

Syed Mainul Hossain is the designer of the National Martyrs’ Memorial while Concord Group built the structure. The National Martyrs’ Memorial was officially inaugurated on December 16, 1982, the Victory Day of Bangladesh.

National Martyr's Memorial, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Photo: Faruk Ahmed Bhuiyan

The planning of building the memorial started in 1976. As a part of the implementation of the planning, a design competition was held nationwide following site selection, road, and land development in June 1978. There 57 architects throughout the country take part in the completion. Syed Mainul Hossain was one of them who took part in and his design got selected among the 57 submissions. In 1982, the main structure, artificial lake, and other facilities were completed. 

National Martyr's Memorial, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
An aerial view of National Memorial | Photo: Pinu Rahman

The historical significance of the National Memorial

The architecture of Syed Mainul Islam is made up of seven pairs of triangular-shaped walls, with the outermost pair being the shortest in height but the widest in span, the inner pairs gradually changing their aspect ratio, and the innermost pair forming the peak point of the architecture. 

National Martyr's Memorial, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh and Syed Mainul Islam
Architect Mainul Islam by his iconic structure

Each of these seven pairs of walls represents a significant chapter in the history of Bangladesh, they are mentioned below—

  • The Language Movement in 1952
  • The East Bengal Legislative Assembly election victory of the United Front in 1954
  • The Constitution Movement in 1956
  • The movement against the Education Commission in 1962
  • The Six Point Movement in 1966,
  • The Mass Uprising in 1969
  • The Independence War in 1971
National Martyr's Memorial, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
An aerial view of the National Memorial Photo: Pinu Rahman

Central Shaheed Minar (কেন্দ্রীয় শহিদ মিনার)

NameCentral Shaheed Minar
ArchitectHamidur Rahman
LocationNear Dhaka Medical College Gate, Azimpur, Dhaka

The Central Shaheed Minar is a national monument in Dhaka, Bangladesh, dedicated to those killed during the Bengali Language Movement demonstrations in then-East Pakistan in 1952. The Central Shaheed Minar is located near Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Dhaka University. It is located next to Dhaka University’s Mathematics Department.

The Shaheed Minar represents freedom in every country’s mother tongue. This structure honors all of the fallen citizens who gave their lives so that we can speak our mother tongue without fear of discrimination anywhere in the world.

Photo: Md. Hossen

On the 21st and 22nd of February 1952, students from Dhaka University and Dhaka Medical College, as well as political activists, were killed when Pakistani police opened fire on Bengali protesters demanding official recognition for their native language, Bengali. In Dhaka, the massacre took place near Dhaka Medical College and Ramna Park. On February 23, students from Dhaka Medical College and other educational institutions erected a makeshift monument, which was quickly demolished by Pakistani police on February 26.

The Language Movement gained traction, and after a long struggle, Bengali joined Urdu as an official language in Pakistan in 1956. The Shaheed Minar was designed and built to honor the dead by Bangladeshi sculptors Hamidur Rahman and Novera Ahmed in collaboration. Martial law delayed construction, but the monument was finished in 1963 and stood until the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 when it was completely demolished during Operation Searchlight. It was rebuilt after Bangladesh gained independence later that year. In 1983, it was expanded.

A half-circular arrangement of columns represents the mother, with her fallen sons, standing on the monument’s central dais, with the red sun shining behind. The Dhaka Central Shaheed Minar is 14 meters (46 feet) tall and was built with marble stones. To create a divine appearance, the stairs and barriers are highlighted in white. Lines from legendary poets’ poems are painted in iron letters on both sides of the fence. As visitors enter the monument, they will see two statues of patriots who died in that heinous police shooting in 1952. The marble floor was designed to highlight the columns’ shifting shadows.

The Shaheed Minar’s basement also housed a 1,500-square-foot (140-square-meter) mural depicting the history of the Language Movement.

The Shaheed Minar was incorrectly reconstructed as a result of rushed repairs. The column’s height was reduced and the head was bent more than intended, and the proportions of various parts of the monument were not properly maintained.

The Language Movement was one of the most powerful movements to emerge in Bangladesh, and the Central Shaheed Minar exemplifies efforts to represent the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism while also emphasizing the importance of the Bengali language in the country’s social and cultural progress. As a result, the Shaheed Minar holds a significant place in Bangladesh’s social and cultural mechanisms.

At the moment, all national, mourning, cultural, and other activities surrounding the 21st of February are centered on the Shaheed Minar.

Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha (মুজিবনগর স্মৃতিসৌধ)

NameMujibnagar Smriti Soudha
ArchitectTanvir Kabir
LocationMujibnagar, Meherpur
Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha
Photo: THENKB/Wikimedia

Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha (Mujibnagar Memorial) is a monument located at Mujibnagar in Meherpur district. This memorial has been built where the provisional government of Bangladesh was formed during the war of liberation in 1971. The architect of Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha is Tanvir Kabir. Construction of the Mujibnagar Memorial began in 1986. Now the Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha (Mujibnagar Memorial) is a part of the Mujibanagar Memorial Complex. 

Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha
Photo: Masum-al-Hasan/Wikipidea

The memorial consists of 23 triangular walls. Which are arranged circularly. Each of the subsequent walls has been gradually increased to 1 foot in length and 9 inches in height. Here 23-wall is the symbol of the 23-year independence movement against Pakistan. The first wall is 9 feet 9 inches high and 20 feet long means Bangladesh fought for its independence for 9 months. The last wall is 25 feet 6 inches high and 42 feet long. There are innumerable holes in each wall that have been displayed as a sign of oppression by the Pakistani ruling class.

There is a 24 feet long and 14 feet wide rectangular red platform of ceramic bricks constructed at the place where the Provisional Government of Bangladesh was sworn in on 17 April 1971 which is in the middle of the Mujibnagar Memorial. Bangladesh was divided into 11 sectors during the liberation war, these 11 sectors are symbolized by 11 steps to climb the altar of the memorial. The altar of 2 feet 6 inches high from the ground of the memorial has numerous circular circles representing the skulls of 100,000 intellectuals.

Mujibnagar Memorial Complex (মুজিবনগর স্মৃতি কমপ্লেক্স)

Location: Mujubnagar, Meherpur

Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha | Google Map
Mujibnagar Memorial and Mujibnagar Memorial Complex, Meherpur

The Mujibnagar Liberation War Memorial Complex or simply Mujibnagar Memorial is a complex which is established at Mujibnagar Upazila in the Meherpur district to commemorate the historical significance of the first temporary capital of independent Bangladesh. The Mujibnagar Complex stands on an area of ​​about 60 acres.

Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha
Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha

There are 1300 mango trees, two rose gardens with six levels in three steps symbolizing six points by Bangabandhu, a gate named Bangabandhu Toran, auditorium, Sheikh Hasina Mancha, Liberation War Memorial Center, Mosque, two helipads, Mujibnagar Memorial, symbolizing the image of the rising sun with 23 concrete triangular walls, Administrative Building, Tennis Ground, Tourist Motel, Swadhinata Playground, Swadhinata Library, Telephone Exchange, Shishupalli, Dormitory, and Liberation War Sector Based Map of Bangladesh. The 11 sectors of the liberation war are divided and shown on the map named Mini Bangladesh. The map of Bangladesh was designed by the Bureau of Research, Testing, and  Consultation (BRTC), an organization of BUET architects.

Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha
Photo: Vromonbondhu.com

A notable feature of the complex is sculptures. The sculptures in the Mujibnagar Memorial Complex depict Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic speech on March 7 in 1971, the historic Telia Para Conference, the swearing-in ceremony of the Mujibnagar government, awarding Guard of Honor to Acting President Syed Nazrul Islam, Freedom Fighters, the surrender of the Pakistan army at Racecourse Field, the torture of Bengali men and women by the Pakistan aggressors in collaboration with Razakar Al Badr and Al-Shams.

Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha
Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha

Shoparjito Shadhinota (স্বোপার্জিত স্বাধীনতা)

NameShoparjito Swadhinata
SculptorShamim Sikder
LocationTSC, University of Dhaka
Shoparjito Swadhinata

‘Shoparjito Swadhinata’, meaning Self-earned Freedom, is a sculpture by Shamim Sikder commemorating the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. It was officially inaugurated in 1990. After the sculpture was inaugurated some extremists in Bangladesh threatened to destroy it.

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly

There is a fragmentary image of the oppression of the Pakistani aggressors in 1971 throughout the Shoparjito Swadhinata sculpture. The main structure of the sculpture has been placed on the square altar. This depicts a freedom fighter who is a farmer by profession on the top left and two heroic freedom fighters with weapons on the right. In the middle, male and female fighters flew the victory flag. On the left side of the altar, there is a cruel look of oppression on the students and the people. The sculpture was completed on March 25, 1986.

Anti-terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture (সন্ত্রাস বিরোধী রাজু ভাস্কর্য)

NameAnti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture
SculptorShaymol Chowdhury and his collaborator Gopal Pal
LocationTSC Roundabout, University of Dhaka

The ‘Anti Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture’ is a sculpture on the campus of the University of Dhaka. It is regarded as one of the best sculptures in Bangladesh.

The Anti-terrorism Raju Sculpture was constructed and installed in 1997. The sculpture is created in memory of Moin Hossain Raju who was a student at the University of Dhaka and an activist for the Bangladesh Students’ Union. Raju was killed while protesting against terrorism in 1992.

Moin Hossain Raju

Moin Hossain Raju, the central leader of the Bangladesh Students’ Union, was leading the procession, and was shot dead by terrorists on March 13, 1992, during an anti-terror procession of the Democratic Students Unity. This sculpture was made in memory of all the martyrs of the anti-terrorism movement including Raju.

Professor A. K. Azad Chowdhury, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, inaugurated the sculpture on September 17, 1997. The artist of the Anti-terrorism Raju Sculpture is sculptor Shyamal Chowdhury and his collaborator Gopal Pal.

The construction and installation cost of the sculpture was funded by Atauddin Khan (Ata Khan), a former teacher at Dhaka University, and Lion Nazrul Islam Khan Badal.

This sculpture depicts the faces of 6 people. The portraits used are Munim Hossain Rana, Shahana Akter Shilu, Saeed Hasan Tuhin, Abdullah Mahmud Khan, Tasfir Siddique, Hasan Hafizur Rahman Sohel, Utpal Chandra Roy, and Golam Kibria Rony.

Swadhinata Sangram (স্বাধীনতা সংগ্রাম)

Sculptor: Shamim Sikder

Location: Fuller Road, University of Dhaka

Introduction to the monument

The Swadhinata Sangram sculpture is the largest in Bangladesh containing the history of the glorious struggle of the Bangalis and Bangladesh. Shamim Sikder, a famous women sculptor in Bangladesh, created this sculpture. The sculpture is located on the road island of Fuller Road on the campus of the University of Dhaka.

Previously known as Amar Ekushey

The Swadhinata Sangram was previously known as Amar Ekushey Sculpture (অমর একুশে ভাস্কর্য). In 1978, Shamim Sikder started sculpting in front of an abandoned bungalow on Fuller Road, Dhaka University; at that time its name was Amar Ekushey. It was inaugurated in 1990 by Ahmed Sharif, a professor at Dhaka University.

Photo: Nirob Ahmed

Reforming and Renaming of the sculpture

In 1997, the sculpture was moved to a nearby road island because the construction of a building of Udayan High School began on the site. Later, Shamim Sikder changed the form and expanded the sculpture in light of the history of the liberation war of Bangladesh and renamed its existing name Amar Ekushey to Swadhinata Sangram (Freedom Struggle). At the same time, she decorated the road island with various small sculptures in the new form. The reformed and renamed sculpture the Swadhinata Sangram was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the historic day of Bangabandhu’s speech declaring the freedom struggle of Bangladesh March 7, 1999.

Swadhinata Sangram sculpture. Image by Ashfaq Mahmud

The historical importance of Swadhinata Sangram and its architectural description

In this sculpture, Shamim Sikder presents the great language movement of 1952, the six-point movement of 1966, the mass uprising of 1969, the call of Bangabandhu’s freedom struggle on March 7, 1971, the night of March 25, the declaration of independence on March 26 and the victory of December 16. The whole sculpture is made with the faces of 16 martyrs who were killed in each movement. Below all is the language of martyrs and above all is the sculpture of Bangabandhu. At the top of this sculpture is the national flag of Bangladesh.

In addition, the triangular road has been decorated with busts of all the best people from home and abroad across the island. These sculptures include Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Lalon Fakir, Jagadish Chandra Bose, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Michael Madhusudhan Dutta, Sukant Bhattacharya, artist SM Sultan, Subhash Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, portraits of Yasir Arafat, Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Haque, Maulana Bhasani, Colonel M. A. G. Osmani, Tajuddin Ahmed, Siraj Sikder and others. There are also three more portraits in the three corners of the sculpture. One of them was Shaheed Nur Hossain in the mass uprising of the nineties.

There are a total of 118 sculptures in the freedom struggle sculpture, including an impressive sculpture of an elephant and two portraits by sculptor Shamim Sikder.

The height of this white sculpture is 60 feet. And the perimeter is 65.75 feet. The small sculptures around the Freedom Struggle, presented in the middle of a circular fountain, are 3-4 feet high. The nameplate is below the original sculpture.

Doyel Square (দোয়েল চত্বর)

Sculptor: Azizul Jalil Pasha

Location: Near Curzon Hall, University of Dhaka

Photo: Utpal Chandra Das

Doel Square, Doel Chattar, is a popular landmark on the University of Dhaka campus in Shahbag, Dhaka. In the center of Doel Square, there is a sculpture of a Magpie, locally known as Doyel or Doel which is Bangladesh’s national bird.

Photo: Rifat Nawas

Azizul Jalil Pasha created the Doyel Square sculpture. It is said that Doyel Square is a bearer and carrier of Bangladeshi national culture.

Shapla Square or Shapla Chattar (শাপলা চত্বর)

Sculptor: Azizul Jalil Pasha

Location: Motijheel, Dhaka

Photo: Abu Nayeem

Shapla Square, also known as Shapla Chattar, is a big sculpture in front of Sonali Bank Limited Head Office and Bangladesh Bank at Motijheel Intersection, Motijheel Commercial Area in Dhaka. The site where Shapla Square is installed marks a mass grave of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The sculpture features Shapla (English: water lily, Species: Nymphaea nouchali), the national flower of Bangladesh.

Photo: Omar Faruk

Shapla Square is owned by Sonali Bank Limited, the largest commercial and state-owned bank in Bangladesh.

The sculpture is surrounded by a fountain. The architect of the Shapla Square sculpture is Azizul Jalil Pasha.

The place in where Shapla Square (Shapla Chottor) is installed (probably in the 1960s) | Photo: Collected

Island of Pearl or Ratna Dweep (রত্নদ্বীপ)

Designer: Mrinal Haque

Location: In front of the Prime Minister’s Office, Tejgaon, Dhaka

Photo: mrinalhaque.com

The Island of Pearls (or Ratna Dweep in Bangla) is a monument in front of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The name of the monument is also spelled as ‘Ratno Dip’ and ‘Rotno Dip’ in Bangla. Mrinal Haque is the designer of Island of Pearls (Ratna Dweep).

We know that Mrinal Haque was often criticized for his work by the followers of the Islamic religion, but the design of Island of Pearls definitely deserves kudos. The design of Island of Pearls is really outstanding. It depicts an island mostly covered with rocks in a sea where pearls are being produced in the direction of Almighty Allah. There is a text ‘Allahu Akbar’ in Arabic script, meaning Allah is the Almighty, behind the main structure of the monument; it tells us the Almighty Allah is behind all things.

Joy Bangla, Joy Tarunno (জয় বাংলা, জয় তারুণ্য)

Sculptor (original): Alauddin Bulbul

Sculptors (reconstruction): Abdul Malek Saju and Rony Pal

Location: Between Shamsunnahar Hall and TSC University of Dhaka

Joy Bangla, Joy Taruno (rebuilt) | Photo: Fatema Akter (Bithi)

The ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Tarunno’ is one of the commemorative sculptures at the University of Dhaka and depicts a youth who is protesting in an anti-terrorism movement. This is installed between Shamsunnahar Hall and TSC University of Dhaka. The young man shown in the sculpture was named Mizanur Rahman Mizan was martyred in 1991 in an anti-terrorism procession.

The sculptor ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Tarunno’ is made in the memory of martyr Mizanur Rahman Mizan who was a student of the Geology department of the university and an activist of Bangladesh Student’s League (BSL) was killed by bullets triggered by the Police on October 30, 1991. He served as the General Secretary of the Fazlul Haque Hall Unit of BSL.

Original Structure of ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Tarunno’ | Photo: Dhaka Times

The sculptor of the original structure was Alauddin Bulbul. This sculpture was made in 1992, and had been damaged and repaired several times before 2017. In 2017, the sculpture was rebuilt according to the previous design but some changes have been noticed in the reconstructed sculpture. The two sculptors of the reconstructed ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Tarunno’ are Abdul Malek Saju and Rony Pal.

Mausoleum of Three Leaders (তিন নেতার মাজার)

Architect: S. A. K. Masood Ahmed

Location: Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka

The Mausoleum of Three Leaders or Tin Netar Mazar (তিন নেতার মাজার) is located at Suhrawardy Udyan at Shahbag in the city of Dhaka. The mausoleum here contains the graves of three prominent leaders of the Pakistan Movement from Bengal Presidency or Bengal— Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and Khwaja Nazimuddin. All three men served as Prime Minister of Bengal Bengal Presidency in British India, and after the separation of India and Pakistan or the independence of Pakistan two of them— Khwaza Nazimuddin and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy also served as Prime Minister of Pakistan. The three leaders died on different dates but their dead bodies were all buried in the same location because they had all made significant contributions to East Pakistan and were all politically involved.

The monument Mausoleum of Three Leaders was built in 1963 in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and was designed by architect Masud Ahmad. S. A. K. Masood Ahmed was a former Chief Architect of the Government of Bangladesh. The style of architecture of this monument by Masud Ahmed is an interpretation of Islamic Arcs. The Mausoleum of Three Leaders is a hyperbolic paraboloid structure built over the graves of three political leaders.

Jagroto Chowrongi (জাগ্রত চৌরঙ্গী)

Sculptor: Abdur Razzaque

Location: Chowrasta Joydebpur Road, Gazipur

The Jagroto Chowrongi is the first post-liberation war sculpture in Bangladesh which is located at Joydebpur, Gazipur; it was built in 1973. Abdur Razzak is the sculptor of the Jagroto Chowrongi sculpture.

Abdur Razzaque is the first sculptor in independent Bangladesh and he is regarded as one of our Bangladeshi greatest sculptors.

Art critics regard Abdur Razzak’s Jagroto Chowrongi as one of the best sculptures in Bangladesh in terms of both the form and the theme. It depicts a freedom fighter (Muktijoddha) holding a grenade in his right hand and a rifle in his left. The sculpture is 18 feet tall and stands on a 24-foot pedestal.

Bijoy Sarani Fountain (বিজয় সরণি ফোয়ারা)

Architect: GM Razzak

Muralist: Syed Lutful Haque

Location: Bijoy Sarani, Dhaka

The ‘Biijay Sarani Fountain’ stands at the corner of Bijay Sarani next to the old airport at Tejgaon in the capital, Dhaka. The wall of the fountain has the tradition of Bengal and the history of our victory painted on it. GM Razzak designed the red-green Bijoy Sarani and Syed Lutful Haque designed the mural around the fountain. Mukul Muksuddin and Himanshu, the then young sculptors, worked on the mural as associates of Razzak and Lutful. All the work on the foyer was completed between 1987-1988. This fountain, built with the story of our great victory, once looked great.

SAARC Fountain (সার্ক ফোয়ারা)

Sculptor: Nitun Kundu

Location: Panthapath-Karwan Bazar Junction, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Karwan Bazar, Dhaka

Sculptor Nitun Kundu designed SAARC Fountain is located at the Panthapath-Karwan Bazar intersection of Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue and Sonargaon Road. The fountain is close to the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

The SAARC Fountain is made of steel and the reservoir of this is made of reinforced cement concrete. The structure was constructed shortly before the first SAARC summit in Dhaka in 1985.

Martyred Intellectuals Memorial (শহিদ বুদ্ধিজীবী স্মৃতিসৌধ)

Architects: Farid Uddin Ahmed and Md. Jami-Al-Shafi

Location: Rayerbazar, Mohammaspur, Dhaka

Photo: Pinu Rahman

The Martyred Intellectuals Memorial is one of the significant memorials or monuments in Bangladesh. It is built in memory of the martyred intellectuals of the Bangladesh Liberation War. The memorial reminds us of Bangladeshi intellectuals who were killed by the Pakistan Military and their local collaborators. The memorial was designed by architects Farid Uddin Ahmed and Jami-Al-Shafi.

Photo: Hasan Raihan

Throughout the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971, the Pakistan Army and their local collaborators, most notably the alleged Islamist militia groups Al-Badr and Al-Shams, massacred a large number of teachers, doctors, engineers, poets, writers, and journalists. The most assassinations occurred on December 14, 1971, just two days before the Pakistan Army surrendered to the joint forces of the Indian Army and Mukti Bahini; over 200 East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) intellectuals, including professors, journalists, doctors, artists, engineers, and writers, were arrested in Dhaka on the night of December 14, 1971. They were led blindfolded to torture cells in Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Nakhalpara, Rajarbagh, and other parts of the city. Later, they were executed in large numbers, most notably at Rayerbazar and Mirpur.

The Martyred Intellectual Memorial is located at Rayerbazar in the area of Mohammadpur Thana in Dhaka. The initial proposal for a memorial at Rayer Bazar was brought forward by Projonmo 71, an organization of the children of the martyrs of the liberation war, who also laid a temporary foundation stone in 1991. The main construction of the memorial started in 1996 and was Completed in. 1999

Aerial view of Martyred Intellectuals Memorial, Rayer Bazaar | Photo: Pinu Rahman

The main feature of the monument is a curved brick wall that is approximately 17.7 meters high, 0.9 meters thick, and 115.8 meters long, representing the original brickfield of Rayerbazar where the dead bodies were discovered. The wall is shattered at both ends, symbolizing grief and sorrow. A square window on the southwest side of the wall allows visitors to see the sky behind the wall, which also scales down. In front of the curved wall is a still body of water from which a black granite column representing grief rises.

The Martyred Intellectual Memorial is also known as ‘Badhyabhumi Smritisoudha’, and ‘Rayerbazar Badhybhumi Smritisoudha’ (রায়ের বাজার বধ্যভূমি স্মৃতিসৌধ). It should be mentioned that December 14 is observed as Martyred Intellectuals Day or Shahid Buddhijibi Dibosh (শহিদ বুদ্ধিজীবি দিবস) in Bangladesh in memory of the martyred intellectuals.

Shabash Bangladesh (সাবাশ বাংলাদেশ)

Sculptor: Nitun Kundu

Location: University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi

The Shabash Bangladesh (Bravo Bangladesh) is located at Rajshahi University premises and this artwork is created to pay tribute to those killed in the Liberation War of Bangladesh; so it is another commemorative monument to the liberation war of Bangladesh.

Nitun Kundu is the sculptor of Shabash Bangladesh. The name of the sculpture comes from a poem named ‘Durmor’ (দুর্মর) by Sukanta Bhattacharya. The last four lines of Durmor poem are engraved under the structure:

সাবাস বাংলাদেশএ পৃথিবী অবাক তাকিয়ে রয়জ্বলে পুড়ে মরে ছারখারতবু মাথা নোয়াব

Amar Ekush (অমর একুশ)

Sculptor: Jahanara Pervi

Location: Jahangirnagar University, Savar  Dhaka

Photo: Hafizur Rahman

The Amar Ekush is one of the most memorable sculptures of the language movement in Bangladesh and it is located at Jahangirnagar University. The architect of the Amar Ekush sculpture is Artist Jahanara Parveen. The sculpture was officially inaugurated on February 21, 1991, by then Vice-Chancellor Professor Kazi Saleh Ahmed.

The Amar Ekushey sculpture is installed in front of Gate No. 2 of Jahangirnagar University. The total height of the figure including the pillars of the sculpture is 34 feet. It is constructed with limestone, cement, sand, clay, etc.

Shangshaptak (সংশপ্তক)

Architect: Hamiduzzaman Khan

Location: Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka

Photo: Hamiduzzaman Khan’s website

Shangshaptak (The Loyal Soldier) is an iconic sculpture in Bangladesh. The sculpture Shangshaptak represents the spirit of the liberation war of Bangladesh. It is installed at Jahangirnagar University. Hamiduzzaman Khan is the architect of Shangshaptak. Having shown a person with one leg and one hand severed, Hamiduzzaman Khan portrays a dauntless freedom fighter. The shown persona is significantly characterized by ardor, obstreperous speed, and a fervid disregard for temporal and spatial restriction.

Photo: Ranadipam Basu

It is found on the website of Hamiduzzaman Khan that the structure of the sculpture incorporates geometric forms which accentuate the desire to move towards the future. The predominant geometric lines give the sculpture a modernist aura.

The framework was made of brass sheet, and the sculptural form was made of bronze. It stands on a traditional red brick base.

7th March (৭ই মার্চ)

Sculptor: Hamiduzzaman Khan

Location: Shakuni Pukur, Madaripur

The 7th March is a renowned sculpture that depicts Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and reminds the historical speech delivered on March 7, 1971, during the non-cooperation movement in Bangladesh.

The sculpture is located at Shakuni Pukur in the district of Madaripur. Hamiduzzaman Khan is the sculptor of the 7th March sculpture. It is made of bronze and the height of the structure is 21 feet. The sculpture was officially opened in 2009.

Mukto Bangla (মুক্ত বাংলা)

Sculptor: Rashid Ahmed

Location: Islamic University, Kushtia

Photo: Daily Observer

Islamic University is the first situated university after the liberation war where a liberation sculpture named ‘Mukto Bangla’ was installed in 1996 to pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for independence.

The Mukto Bangla sculpture is designed by Rashid Ahmed. It represents the establishment of the Mujibnagar Government on the main floor of the pillar, and there are some mosaic stones and blue tiles that indicate the peace of humanity while black stones symbolically mean mourning. Rashid Ahmed used white color on the surface of the structure to mean peace and communication. The most important part of the altar is made of red ceramic, meaning movement and war. All the bottom can be seen in broad tiles bricks, which means continuous movement.

The university teachers, students, and other officials place floral wreaths at ‘Mukto Bangla’ on every Victory Day.

Moder Gorob (মোদের গরব)

Sculptor: Akhil Paul

Location: Bangla Academy premises, Shahbagh, Dhaka

Photo: Farhana Murtaza

Moder Gorob, or Our Pride, is a sculpture that stands in front of the Bangla Academy building in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was built in memory of those who were killed by Pakistan Police during the Bangla Language Movement demonstrations in 1952.

Language martyrs Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, Shafiur Rahman, and Abul Barkat are all represented by five different metal sculptures set on a foundation. A long wall rises in the back part and the upper portion of the wall has three steps. Both sides of the wall and other brick-made parts are ornamented by frescoes of the Language movement of 1952.

During 2019 Amar Ekushey Boimela | Photo: Md. Mizanur Rahaman Mizan

The Moder Gorob was completed and installed at a cost of ৳13 lakh; telecom company Grameen Phone donated ৳10 lakh and the remainder came from Bangla Academy funds.

The sculpture Moder Gorob was officially unveiled on February 1, 2007, by the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government Fakhruddin Ahmed; it was a part of the opening of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair (Amar Ekushe Granthamel/Boimela).

Protyasha (প্রত্যাশা)

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque

Location: Bangabazar, Dhaka

Photo: Ranadipam Basu

‘Protyasha’ is a memorial sculpture of the freedom fighters of the liberation war of Bangladesh that took place in 1971. The sculpture is created by Mrinal Haque. The Protyasha is installed near Bangabazaar at Fulbaria in the area of Gulistan in Dhaka.

Mrinal Haque ventured Protyasha was officially unveiled by then Mayor of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) Sadeq Hossain Khoka on May 6, 2008.

Photo: Ranadipam Basu

The sculpture Protyasha is 47-feet in height and made of concrete. It features a huge rifle, tied by a rope which is also made of concrete. On the top of the rifle, a globe is set and there are two flying pigeons on the globe.

Photo: K M Asad

There are heroic figures of five freedom fighters in the basement of the rifle. The figures represent a peasant, a student, army personnel, an intellectual, and a woman. Mrinal Haque sets an image of the burning sun behind the figures that create the impression of our national flag, hope, or expectation.

By the way, ‘protyasha’ is a Bangla word, it means expected.

Rajoshik Bihar (রাজসিক বিহার)

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque

Location: Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka

Photo: Bellayet/Wikimedia

On January 19, in 2008, on the occasion of celebrating the 400th anniversary of historical Dhaka city a sculpture called ‘Rajosik Bihar’ was erected. The sculpture Rajoshik Bihar reminds us of the period of the Nawab rule.

The horse-drawn carriage is popularly known as Tomtom; aristocrats like Nawabs and Zamindars of Dhaka often traveled by this type of vehicle. The sculpture titled Rajoshik Bihar is made in memory of that historical time of Dhaka; it is noted that it especially depicts Nawab Salimullah and his time.

The Rajoshik Bihar sculpture is sculpted by Mrinal Haque that is installed at the circle in front of the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in Dhaka.

The tradition of Dhaka has been highlighted here mainly through the use of horse carriages in royal travels.

Bangabandhu Square Monument (বঙ্গবন্ধু চত্বর স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ)

Architect: Sirajul Islam

Location: Gulistan Junction, Bangabandhu Avenue, Gulistan, Dhaka

Bangabandhu Square Monument is a monument located at Gulistan Junction or Gulistan Crossing in Dhaka city. This is made in the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The architect of the  Bangabandhu Square Monument is Sirajul Islam. The plaque of the monument was unveiled by prime minister Sheikh Hasina, MP and daughter of Bangabandhu, on March 4 in 2004.

Prottoy 71 (প্রত্যয় ৭১)

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque 

Location: MBSTU

Shimanto Gaurav Monument (সীমান্ত গৌরব স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ)

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque

Location: Headquarters of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Pilkhana, Dhaka

The Monument titled Shimanto Gaurav is located at the Headquarters of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Pilkhana, Dhaka and it is designed by Mrinal Haque.

December 20 is observed as ‘BGB Day’ every year and the members of the BGB pay their respect by offering flowers to the Shimanto Gaurav to all the martyrs who were killed in different incidents e.g. during the liberation war, Bangladesh Rifles Revolt, etc. Border Guard Bangladesh was previously known as Bangladesh Rifles (BDR).

Night view of Shimanto Gaurav Monument

The Bird Family (পাখি পরিবার)

Sculptor: Hamiduzzaman Khan

Location: Bangabhaban, Dhaka

The Bird Family is a sculpture installed at Bangabjaban, the official house of the president of Bangladesh, Dhaka. It is one of the significant additions to the treasure of artwork in Bangladesh. The Bird Family sculpture is sculpted by Hamiduzzaman Khan.

The sculptor chose a stylized form of water birds at home, bathing in jets of water. The birds extend their beaks upwards, taking in the thrust of water jets with their large spread of wings. In fact, the sculpture is most impressive when the fountain is turned on. The birds in the static sculpture almost come to life as waterfalls on their wings.

They appear to flap their wings in excitement, emphasizing the inclined thrust of the peripheral water jets, reaching a climax with the thrust of the birds’ beaks trying to reach upwards along with the central jet of water.

Chetona ’71 (চেতনা ‘৭১)

Sculptor: Mubarak Hossain Nripal

Location: Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet

Photo: Jagomews24.com

The Chetona ’71 is a sculpture commemorating the liberation war which is located at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet. This is the very first liberation war sculpture installed in the greater Sylhet area.

Some of the students of the 2005-06 session erected a temporary sculpture called Chetona ’71 (Chetona Ekattor) on the west side of the Mini Auditorium of SUST on March 26, 2009. In order to restore the temporary sculpture to a permanent sculpture, a ‘Sculpture Restoration Committee was formed consisting of students from different batches of the university. Later the process of making a permanent sculpture begins, and its reflected form consciousness is ’71.

Mubarak Hossain Nripal is the sculptor of the Chetona ’71. The sculpture has been constructed on the north side of the building at a cost of about 6 lakh 80 thousand rupees. The alumni of the first batch have also funded the initiative of the students of the 2005-06 session. Besides, Dutch-Bangla Bank has also provided financing. The sculpture was inaugurated on July 30, 2011, by Prof. Saleh Uddin, Vice Chancellor of SUST.

In the sculpture, there is a student holding the national flag of Bangladesh and a student holding a symbolic book of the constitution. Seen from a distance, the sculpture under the open sky looks like a fearless guard standing with its head held high to defend freedom and sovereignty.

Duronto (দুরন্ত)

Sculptor: Sultanul Islam

Location: Shishu Academy, Dhaka

Photo: Ranadipam Basu

Duronto, the sculpture at Bangladesh Shishu Academy premises that symbolizes the exuberance and innocence of a child, has not been repaired even four months after it was damaged. The sculpture Duronto was made of bronze. The Duronto was created in 1982 by sculptor Sultanul Islam. Originally, It was made of cement and placed at the center of the front lawn of the academy. The sculpture has been damaged and repaired several times.

Balaka (বলাকা)

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque

Location: Motijheel, Dhaka

The Balaka is a renowned sculpture in Bangladesh, it is located in front of the headquarter of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Motijheel, Dhaka. The place where the Balaka is installed at Motijheel Commercial Area is known as the Balaka Chatwar or the Balaka courtyard, the business hub of Bangladesh. This is a big archetype of Balaka built-in matching with the trademark of Bangladesh Biman. Balaka is a Bangla word meaning a kind of small goose that can fly in the sky.

Sculpture of Swami Vivekananda (স্বামী বিবেকানন্দের ভাস্কর্য)

Sculptor: Shamim Sikder

Location: Jagannath Hall, University of Dhaka, Dhaka

Photo: Rahul Kumar Sanjowal

The Sculpture of Swami Vivekananda is installed at Jagannath Hall of the University of Dhaka. The sculptor of the sculpture is Shamim Sikder, one of the prominent female sculptors in Bangladesh. There were two associates of Shamim Sikder named Shafikul Kabir Chandan and Jhunu Akter who helped her in this artwork. On May 20, 1994, the Swami Vivekananda sculpture was unveiled by famous poet Sufia Kamal.

Aparajeyo Bangla Sculpture (অপরাজেয় বাংলা ভাস্কর্য)

Sculptor: Syed Abdullah Khalid

Location: In front of the Arts Building, University of Dhaka

Photo: Ranadipam Basu

The Aparajeyo Bangla is a commemorative sculpture that reminds people to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War in 1971. It is one of the most well-known sculptures in Bangladesh. The liberation war dedicated sculpture Aparajeyo Bangla is installed on the campus of the University of Dhaka just in front of the Faculty of Arts Building. The phrase Aparajeyo Bangla means ‘Unvanquished Bengal’. Syed Abdullah Khalid is the sculptor of the Aparajeyo Bangla.

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly

The sculpture work was started at the end of 1973 and was officially unveiled in 1979. Saleh Chowdhury, a news reporter of the Dainik Bangla, came to visit the sculpture and wrote an article about it; in that article, Mr. Saleh Choudhury named it Aparajeyo Bangla and that has been established as a permanent name later on by the university authority.

It is worth mentioning that Aparajeyo Bangla represents the first-ever and the largest university in Bangladesh— the University of Dhaka.

Chiro Durjoy (চিরদুর্জয়)

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque

Location: Rajarbag Police Lines, Dhaka

The Chiro Durjoy is a sculpture with a 100 ft long mural at Rajarbag Police Line. The sculpture-mural commemorates the liberation war of Bangladesh.

Janani O Gorbito Bornomala (জননী ও গর্বিত বর্ণমালা)

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque

Location: Paribag, Shahbag, Dhaka

The sculpture titled Janani O Gorbito Bornomala by Mrinal Haque is located near the BTCL Building at Paribag, Shahbagh in Dhaka. The Janani O Gorbito Bornomala is one of the most significant languages movement-based sculptures.

The sculpture portrays a mother who is protesting in language movement carrying her son’s dead body in arms; here the dead body reminds us of the language martyrs of those who were shot by the police in the mother language movement in 1952.

The Janani O Gorbito Bornomala sculpture was sculpted by Mrinal Haque and officially opened on February 20, 2016, by the then Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Mohammad Sayed Khokon.

The Life and the Lifeless (জীবন ও জীবনহীন)

Sculptor: Hamiduzzaman Khan

Location: Hamiduzzaman Sculpture Park, Summit Gazipur Powerplant, Gazipur

Image: Hamiduzzaman Khan’s website

The Life and the Lifeless is one of the meaningful creations by Hamiduzzaman Khan. The Life and the Lifeless sculpture is installed at Hamiduzzaman Sculpture Park at Summit Gazipur 464 MW Power Plant.

Image: Hamiduzzaman Khan’s website

Image: Hamiduzzaman Khan’s website

The sculpture depicts the contrast between two opposing natural essences. Throughout his five-decade career, Hamiduzzaman Khan has attempted to discover the inner essence of nature. This work is an artistic response to his perception of that motive.

Cow with Two Figures

Sculptor: Novera Ahmed

Location: National Museum, Dhaka

The Cow with Two Figures is a modernist sculptor by Novera Ahmed. The sculpture is installed at the National Museum of Bangladesh, Dhaka. It was made in 1958.

It is worth mentioning that Novera Ahmed is the first woman sculptor from Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Seated Woman

Sculptor: Novera Ahmed

Location: National Museum, Dhaka

Seated Woman is a sculpture by renowned and first Bangladeshi woman sculptor Novera Ahmed. The sculpture is made from grey cement. The dimensions of Seated Woman are 121cmx54cm. Seated Woman is installed at the National Museum, Dhaka.

Reclining Figure

Sculptor: Novera Ahmed

Location: National Museum, Dhaka

Novera Ahmed’s other creation is Reclining Figure which is installed at Bangladesh National Museum, Dhaka. Reclining Figure is one of the praised outdoor sculptures by her. I failed to relate my feelings to the works of Novera Ahmed but it is reported that her works are significant. 

Composition

Sculptor: Novera Ahmed

Location: National Museum, Dhaka

‘Composition’ is another outdoor sculpture designed by Novera Ahmed. I do not know what she usually kept in mind when she designed sculptures but the people of Bangladesh recognize her as one of the greatest sculptures in Bangladesh. By the way, the Composition sculpture is also installed at Bangladesh National Museum, Dhaka.

Probahoman 71 (প্রবাহমান ৭১)

Sculptor: Manik Biswas

Location: Shibchar, Madaripur

Image: Prothom Alo

Probahoman 71 is a beautiful commemorative sculpture of the liberation war of Bangladesh which is installed in front of Chowdhury Fatema Begum Municipal Auditorium at Shibchar, Madaripur. The Sculptor of Probahoman 71 is Manik Biswas. The sculpture depicts a group of freedom fighters riding in a boat. In this sculpture, a woman freedom fighter (Birangana) holds a weapon along with a few young freedom fighters; they also hold a flag of victory. It is one of the most aesthetic and significant commemorative sculptures in Bangladesh.

Shantir Payra or Peace Bird (শান্তির পায়রা)

Sculptor: Hamiduzzaman Khan

Location: TSC, University of Dhaka, Dhaka

Shantir Payra sculpture is located at the premises of TSC of the University of Dhaka. Hamiduzzaman Khan sculpted this artwork at the request of students of the University of Dhaka.

The English name of the sculpture is ‘Peace Bird’ The sculpture ‘Shantir Payra’ or ‘Peace Bird’ expresses peace and solidarity in the form of birds in various postures. The main components of the sculpture are eleven birds, represented in abstract shapes.They are placed on an oblique column.

Freedom Fighter

Sculptor: Hamiduzzaman Khan

Location: Panthapath, Dhaka

The Freedom Fighter is a magnificent sculpture designed by Hamiduzzaman Khan which is currently installed in UTC Building at Panthapath in Dhaka. The sculpture, Freedom Fighter, is made of stainless steel. It is 30 feet in height with about 907 kilograms weight. The sculpture was made in 2003.

Hamlaa (হামলা)

Sculptor: Hamiduzzaman Khan

Location: Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet

The Hamlaa sculpture is made from bronze and is located at Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet. The sculpture weighs 920 kilograms and has a height of 33 feet. Hamiduzzaman Khan is the sculptor of the Hamlaa. The sculpture title ‘Hamlaadepicts an intrepid soldier in action with a rifle in his hand.

Bijoy ’71 (বিজয় ‘৭১)

Sculptor: Shyamal Chowdhury

Location: Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Bijoy ’71, this photo was taken in 2012 | Photo: Bangladesh Agricultural University Alumni Association

The Bijoy ’71 sculpture is installed at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh; it is one of the most famous sculptures in Bangladesh. It has been made to commemorate the liberation war that took place in 1971, especially, the sculpture reminds the celebration of the victory over Pakistan.

The memorial, the Bijoy ’71, has been set up in front of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Auditorium at the entrance of the campus of Bangladesh Agricultural University.

The commitment and firm conviction of the freedom-loving people during the war of independence of Bangladesh have been highlighted through this memorial.

Bijoy ’71 | Photo: onushilon

As we can see in this sculpture, three statues of freedom fighters stand in different poses facing opposite sides, they are— a woman, a farmer, and a student. The farmer holds a flag-knot-rifle in the sky of Bangladesh. Through this, the message of victory of the liberation war and the establishment of independent Bangladesh has been revealed.

The statue of the woman here is a figure of a selfless and struggling woman of Bengal who is strongly calling for participation in the liberation war. This woman also has a rifle in her hand; her determined steps are an expression of the mother power in the liberation war of Bangladesh.

The figure of the student standing with a bright heart carries a rifle in his left hand while the right hand is in a grenade-throwing position.

The architect of the Bijoy ’71 sculpture is Shyamal Chowdhury. The construction of the sculpture began in 1997 and was completed in June 2000. The construction of the sculpture cost about ৳24,00000.

Bimurto Muktijuddho (বিমূর্ত মুক্তিযুদ্ধ)

Sculptor: Shyamal Chowdhury

Location: Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Bimurto Muktijuddho (বিমূর্ত মুক্তিযুদ্ধ) Photo: Prothom Alo

The name of the well-known memorial sculpture of the liberation war on the campus of Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh is Bijoy ’71. It was designed by sculptor Shyamal Chowdhury, as it is mentioned earlier. The university campus also has another masterpiece of Shyamal Chowdhury named Bimurto Muktijuddho. The Bimurto Muktijuddho has been built in front of the main gate of the university to present the history of liberation to the new generation. The installation depicts several historical events from the language movement in 1952 to the liberation war in 1971 through various but specific symbols. There is a bust of the father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the Bimurto Muktijuddho at BAU.

Mujib Darshan Mural (মুজিব দর্শন ম্যুরাল)

Artist: Unknown

Location: Hard Point, Town Protection Dam, on the Bank of the Jamuna, Sirajganj

Mujib Darshan is a mural that depicts two books authored by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It is located on the Bank of the Jamuna at Sirajganj. 

Photo: Dhakatimes

The Mujib Darshan was officially inaugurated on Sunday, March 7, 2021, the occasion of Mujib Year by the State Minister for Water Resources Zahid Farooq. The mural is built by the Ministry of Water Resources.

Asamapta Atmajibani or Unfinished Memoir (অসমাপ্ত আত্মজীবনী)

Sculptor: Unknown

Location: Near Padma Bridge, on the Bank of the Padma, Louhjong, Munshiganj

The country’s first sculpture based on the ‘Asamapta Atmajibani’ or the ‘Unfinished Memoir’ was erected on the banks of the Padma near Padma Bridge in the Shimulia area of ​​Louhjong Upazila in the Munshiganj district. The sculpture was inaugurated by State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday, March 13th, 2022. It is constructed at the initiative of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).

Raktadhara Smriti Soudha (রক্তধারা স্মৃতিসৌধ)

Sculptor: Chanchal Karmakar

Location: Moalhead, Chandpur

Photo: Delwar Hossain

The Rakta Dhara Smriti Soudha (Bloodstream Memorial) was erected in memory of the martyrs of the liberation war in the Chandpur district of Bangladesh. During the war of liberation, many freedom fighters were massacred in Chandpur; the memorial was built in 2011 in their memory of them. Raktadhara Memorial of the liberation war is located at the massacre ground at Molhead of Chandpur, the meeting place of the Padma, the Meghna, and the Dakatiya. The Raktadhara Memorial is designed by Chanchal Karmakar and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Anggikar (অঙ্গীকার)

Sculptor: Syed Abdullah Khalid

Location: Muktijoddha Lake Road, Chandpur

The Anggikar is a commemorative sculpture pledge erected in 1989 in memory of the martyrs of the War of Independence. The sculpture is installed on the Muktijoddha Lake Road in the center of Chandpur city. The sculptor of the Anggikar is Prof. Syed Abdullah Khalid.

It was inaugurated by then-President Hussein Muhammad Ershad.

The Anggikar is considered the central memorial of Chandpur.

Shopoth (শপথ)

Architect: Shwapon Acharya

Location: Chandpur

Photo: Alokito Bangladesh

The Shopoth is another attractive memorial in Chandpur that commemorates the war of independence and Bangabandhu. Shwapon Chowdhury is the architecture of the memorial. On the occasion of Mujib’s birth centenary and independence, this memorial was officially opened to the public. There are three layers in the structure of the Shopoth and the height of each of the layers is 18, 16 and 14 feet. The memorial features the inscription of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s pointer finger that indicates the historic speech of March 7, 1971.

Chironjib Shadhinota

Architect: Neel Utpal Kaur

Location: Kishoreganj

Freedom Fighters Memorial (মুক্তিযোদ্ধা স্মৃতিসৌধ)

Architect: Mrinal Haque

Location: Dhaka Cantonment

The Freedom Fighters Memorial is another attractive work of Mrinal Haque. It is installed at Dhaka Cantonment premises.

Golden Jubilee Tower

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque

Location: University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi

The Golden Jubilee Tower is one of the best works by the famous sculptor and architect Mrinal Haque. After the making of this sculpture, the fame of Mrinal Haque spread throughout the country. The Golden Jubilee Tower is located at Rajshahi University.

The Golden Jubilee Tower was installed in 2003 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Rajshahi University.

Barsha Rani (বর্ষা রানি) Sculpture aka Peacock Sculpture

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque

Location: Shaatrastar Morh, Tejgaon, Dhaka

The Barsha Rani is another fantastic sculpture by Mrinal Haque. This is located at Shaatrastar Morh in the area of Tejgaon of Dhaka city. Steel-made Barsha Rani sculpture is also known as Peacock Sculpture.

Smritir Minar or The Minaret of Remembrance (স্মৃতির মিনার)

Architecture: Hamiduzzaman Khan

Location: National University, Gazipur

The Smritir Minar is a sculpture located at National University, Gazipur which is made by Hamiduzzaman Khan.

Smritir Minar, the sculpture, with monumental characteristics, bears the sublime remembrance of the Bangladesh War of Liberation. The liberation war holds a significant place in the lives of the people of Bangladesh, not only as a topic of historical interest but also in cultural aspects. In that regard, the sculpture, as it stands at the entrance of the Bangladesh National University, reminds the students and teachers of the university of the sublime responsibilities that they should uphold.

Smritir Minar is a steel-painted sculpture that is built in the dimension of 850 x 375 x 105 cm. Smritir Minar was made and opened in 2004.

Kadam Fountain

Architect: Nitun Kundu

Location: National Eidgah-Home Ministry Intersection (Topkhana-High Court Road), Dhaka

Photo: Ranadipam Basu

The Kadam Fountain or Kadam Foara is one of the most attractive sculptures in the city of Dhaka. The Kadam Fountain is installed at the National Eidgah-Home Ministry intersection of Topkhana Road and High Court Road.

Photo: Tanjir Mehedi

The attractive fountain ‘Kadam Foara’ is designed by Nitun Kundu.

Photo: Rashid Ahmed

Jahangirnagar University Central Shahid Minar (জাহাঙ্গীরনগর বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় কেন্দ্রীয় শহিদ মিনার)

Architect: Rabiul Hussain

Location: Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka

The Shahid Minar at Jahangirnagar University is the tallest monument in Bangladesh to commemorate the language movement martyrs. The monument is known as Jahangirnagar University Central Shahid Minar (জাহানঙ্গীরনগর বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় কেন্দ্রীয় শহিদ মিনার). It is designed by Robiul Hussain and is sited in front of the university’s Arts Building.

The monument has three pillars and each of the pillars is 71-foot tall from a triangle on top of a 52-foot long brick-built base. The length of the base signifies the importance of the year 1952 in the Language Movement.

The first pillar of the three represents the Bangla language, arts, and culture; the second speaks of history, tradition, and people, while the third symbolizes sovereignty, the Liberation War, and freedom. The three pillars represent eight other important landmarks leading to Bangladesh’s liberation: 1947, 1952, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1969, 1970, and 1971.

Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam

Win the Battle (যুদ্ধজয়)

Sculptor: Ezaz-E-Kabir

Location: Cumilla

The Win of Battle or Juddho Joy is a significant sculpture in Cumilla dedicated to the victory over Pakistan in the liberation war in 1971. It is located at the entrance of the main city of Cumilla.

Ezaz-E-Kabir, a prominent sculptor in Bangladesh, created the Win of Battle or Juddho Joy sculpture.

The Genocide in ’71 and Preparations for the Liberation War (একাত্তরের গণহত্যা ও মুক্তিযুদ্ধের প্রস্তুতি)

Sculptor: Rasha

Location: Jagannath University, Dhaka

The Genocide in ’71 and Preparations for the Liberation War (Ekattorer Ganahatya o Muktijuddher Prostuti) is the only bunch of sculptures in Bangladesh. This sculpture is dedicated to the memory of the war of independence of Bangladesh that took place in 1971. It is located in front of the new building of Jagannath University. It highlights the genocide of 1971 and the preparations for the war of liberation.

The sculpture was created by Rasha. His collaborators were sculptors Rajib Siddiqui, Rumi Siddiqui, Ibrahim Khalilur Rahman, and Mia Malek Redwan. It is divided into two parts. One part depicts the massacre and torture of the Pak aggressors in Dhaka on the night of March 25, 1971. In the other part, the image of the preparation of the people of the country for the war of liberation has been painted. It was inaugurated on March 31, 2006, by the Former Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University, Prof. Sirajul Islam Khan.

Birer Prottaborton (বীরের প্রত্যাবর্তন)

Sculptors: Govinda Pal, Narayan Pal, and Sudipto Mallick Sweden

Location: Bhatara, Dhaka

It is a sculpture of the liberation war located in Bhatara Union near Gulshan 2. The area was an important area during the war of liberation in 1971. The sculpture has been set up at the initiative of Mozammel Haque Bir Pratik.

Runner (রানার)

Sculptor: Azmul Haque Sachchu

Location: Postal Academy, Rajshahi

The ‘Runner’ is a sculpture in which the full features of a runner are depicted. In this sculpture, a runner is seen running with a bag of letters on his shoulder and a hurricane in his hand to deliver the letters. The Sculptor of the Runner is Azizul Haque Sachchu and it is located at Postal Academy, Rajshahi.

The Arghya (অর্ঘ্য)

Sculpture: Mrinal Haque

Location: Adjacent to Science Lab Science Laboratory Intersection (Mirpur Road-Green Road Junction), Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Photo: Mahfuz

Ispater Kanna (ইস্পাতের কান্না)

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque

Location: Dhanmondi 27-Mirpur Road Junction, Dhaka

Photo: Bishwarup Ganguly

The Ispater Kanna is a sculpture that depicts a rickshaw, a rickshaw puller pulling, and two passengers on the rickshaw. The Ispater Kanna means ‘crying of steel’. The sculpture, Ispater Kanna, is made up of rickshaw chains by Mrinal Haque.

Photo: mrinalhaque.com

The Ispater Kanna is located at the junction of Dhanmondi 27 and Mirpur Road, Dhaka, Bangladesh; it was inaugurated in 2012.

Kotwal (কোতোয়াল)

Sculptor: Mrinal Haque

Location: Minto Road, Dhaka

Kotowal is one of the most spectacular sculptures in Dhaka depicting two jockeys, kotowals actually, on two horses. It is located at Minto Road roundabout, Dhaka. The horses and kotwals on the structure are all golden in color. The structure of the sculpture is set on a black-coloured three-step altar.

This sculpture, Kotowal, bears the mark of representation of British rule. Bangla word Kotowal (কোতোয়াল) means someone or some people who are appointed to protect a town; and in the British period, people who were appointed as protectors of town used to travel on horses; maybe Mrinal Haque portrayed that scenario, I am not sure.

Eternal Flame (শিখা চিরন্তন)

Location: Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka

Eternal Flame or Shikha Chirantan is a memorial located at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. It is situated nearby Suhrawardy Shishu Park and closes to Shahbag Thana. Eternal Flame was inaugurated on March 26, 1997, in memory of March 7.

On the day of the inauguration of Eternal Flame, there were four prominent world leaders present— Nobel Peace Prize winners South African President Nelson Mandela, Palestine President Yasser Arafat, Türkiye President Suleiman Demirel, and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In 1997, an initiative was taken to establish Flame Eternal to commemorate the occasion of Bangabandhu’s speech on March 7 and the signing of the surrender document of the Pakistani forces on December 16. On this occasion, on March 7, 1997, the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ignited the Eternal Flame and inaugurated a nationwide procession. At the time of establishing the Eternal Flame by the four leaders, the national flag of Bangladesh was hoisted by the then President Shahabuddin Ahmed.

The Smriti Amlan (স্মৃতি অম্লান)

Architect: Rajiuddin 

Location: Bhadra Morh (Bhodra Intersection, Birshreshtha Jahangir Road), Rajshahi

The Smriti Amlan is an incomparable architecture of Bangladesh. | Image: Shariful IEA/Wikimedia

The Smriti Amlan is a memorial to the 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh. It is located in the Bhadra area of ​​Rajshahi city. The memorial was officially inaugurated on March 26, 1991, under the supervision of Rajshahi Unnayan Kotripakkha (Rajshahi Development Authority). The main plan of the memorial was made by eminent freedom fighter Brigadier Abdur Rob. The architect of the Smriti Amlan is Rajiuddin Ahmed. The Smriti Amlan is an incomparable architecture of Bangladesh.

Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard- (শহীদ বুদ্ধিজীবী স্মৃতিসৌধ)

Architect: Mostofa Harun Kuddus Hili

Location: Mirpur, Dhaka

The Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Memorial is a memorial to the intellectual martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War. It was first constructed on December 22, 1972, and has since undergone several renovations. The memorial is in the Mirpur district of Dhaka, Bangladesh. When the Pakistani military realized they were about to lose the Bangladesh Liberation War, they began systematically murdering university professors, writers, artists, and statesmen. Hundreds of intellectuals were abducted from their homes and slaughtered blindfolded by the Pakistani army, with the help of local collaborators, on the night of December 14, just two days before the official surrender. The memorial is devoted to the assassination of Bengali intellectuals in 1971.

Potaka ’71

Architects: Rupam Roy, Imran Hossain Piplu

Location: Munshiganj

A flag-decorated sculpture during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 was installed at Lichutala in the south Kotgaon area of Munshiganj town of Bangladesh.

The construction of the Potaka ‘71 sculpture was started in 2017 under the design of the builder Ghatshila sculptor Imran Hossain Piplu and Rupom Roy. At first, the molds of the sculpture were made at Chawkbazar in Old Dhaka and the design work was done on the ground for about two months. Later, the mold was made at the site through the plaster. It was inaugurated on March 2, 2018, the day of national flag day celebrations.

The struggle of Bullocks (সংগ্রাম)

Architect: Mohammad Qayyum

Designer: Zainul Abedin

Location: Sonargaon, Dhaka

The ‘Struggle of the Bullocks’ is a sculpture that was built by Mohammad Qayyum. Architect Mohammad Qayyum created this sculpture imitating the artwork ‘Sangram’ of artist Zainul Abedin.

The Struggle of Bullocks sculpture is located at Sonargaon Lok Shilpa Museum, Narayanganj, Bangladesh.

Zainul Abedin’s artwork Sangram (সংগ্রাম)।

The Unity

Architect: Hamiduzzaman Khan

Location: Bangladesh Bank Headquarters Premises, Motijheel, Dhaka

The Unity is a sculpture by Hamiduzzaman Khan. As it is mentioned that the Unity is made of stainless steel, sheet, and granite; and the dimension is 30 x 15 x 8 feet.

The Unity is located at Bangladesh Bank premises, Motijheel, Dhaka, Bangladesh which was opened in 2011.

Swadhinata Stambha (স্বাধীনতা স্তম্ভ)

Architects: Marina Tabassum and Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury

Location: Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka

Swadhinata Stambha (স্বাধীনতা স্তম্ভ) | Pinu Rahman

The ‘Swadhinata Stambha’ or ‘Independence Monument is a national monument in Bangladesh that commemorates the historical events that occurred in the Suhrawardy Udyan, formerly known as the Ramna Race Course ground, during Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

View of the Swadhinata Stambha | Photo: Pinu Rahman

In 1996, the government of Bangladesh took the initiative to build the monument. The building process began in 1999. The project was designed by Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury and Marina Tabassum. The project’s main draw is a 50-meter-high tower made of stacked glass panels that stands where the Pakistani Instrument of Surrender was signed at the end of the war.

Bijoy Keton (বিজয়কেতন)

Sculptor: Hamiduzzaman Khan

Location: Bijoy Keton Liberation Museum, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka

Bijoy Keton | Photo: in.worldorgs.com

The Bijoy Keton Liberation Museum is located at Dhaka Cantonment in Bangladesh and is built in memory of the liberation war, freedom fighters, and heroic titles. The museum was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on November 21, 2000. In front of the Bijay Keton Liberation War Museum, there is a sculpture named ‘Bijoy Keton’ as well. Hamiduzzaman Khan is the architect of the ‘Bijoy Keton’ sculpture.

in.worldorgs.com

Bhashkorjo Bijoy (ভাস্কর্য বিজয়)

Sculptors: Sanad Biswas, Rupom Roy, Abir Karmakar, Michael Karmakar

Location: Ghatarchor, Ati Bazar, Keraniganj, Dhaka

Bhashkorjo Bijoy | Md. Mizanur Rahaman Mizan

The Bijoy Bhashkorjo is a sculpture located at Ghatarchor roundabout at Keranihanj Upazila in Dhaka. The sculpture depicts a freedom fighter in the upper portion who carries a rifle in his hands and marches forward. The sculpture is made in three steps- the base of this is red colored and the second part shows some images in terracotta of the liberation war of 1971. The Bijoy Bhashkorjo has jointly sculpted by four artists named Sanad Biswas, Rupom Roy, Abir Karmakar, and Michael Karmakar.

The last word

In this article, an attempt has been made to highlight the important sculptures of Bangladesh. If you think there is a sculpture in your area that should be on this list, you can email me about it. There may be some informational errors here that are unintentional, please help with correct information. Thanks to those who helped with the information. I am also grateful to those whose photos I have used here.

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