In a controversial move, the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman mural in Bakultala, Jashore, was demolished and replaced with the foundation stone of a new monument commemorating the martyrs of the July Uprising.
The foundation-laying ceremony took place Monday afternoon, inaugurated by Jashore Deputy Commissioner Md Azaharul Islam.
The July Martyrs Memorial is being constructed under a joint initiative of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, and the Public Works Department, with a budget of approximately Tk10 lakh.
The 18-foot-high, 6-foot-wide structure will feature engravings of slogans chanted during the July movement protests.
Veterans of the July uprising, families of those killed, and leaders and activists of the anti-discrimination student protests participated in the event. The ceremony opened with a minute of silence in remembrance of the fallen.
In his speech, the deputy commissioner stated, “In 1971, we shed blood to win independence from foreign forces. In July 2024, we were compelled to fight against a fascist force from within. A new chapter in our nation’s history has been written with blood. This monument will remind future generations of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination shown during that struggle.”
Among those who spoke were Additional Superintendent of Police Abul Bashar, District BNP General Secretary Delwar Hossain, Jamaat-e-Islami District Secretary Abu Zafar Siddiqi, National Citizen Party (NCP) member Nuruzzaman, and family members of those killed, including Abdul Jabbar (father of slain protester Abdullah) and Masum Billah.
Images and videos of the mural’s demolition, which occurred in three phases since August 5, have since gone viral on social media.
The mural was completely removed using bulldozers under the authority of the Jashore municipality.
