The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) inaugurated two newly constructed gateways, or torans, in different areas of the capital on Monday morning to commemorate the historic July Movement, a landmark anti-fascist struggle in the country.
DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz unveiled the structures, named “Mukti Toran” (Liberation Gateway) and “Swadhinata Toran” (Independence Gateway).
The Mukti Toran has been erected on Justice Syed Mahbub Morshed Road in Agargaon, while the Swadhinata Toran stands in front of the Badda Buddhist Temple on Pragati Sarani.
After inaugurating Mukti Toran, Ejaz said, “These gateways will remind us of our struggle against fascism. People from all walks of life participated in the movement. These structures have been built to preserve the memory of that struggle while also enhancing the city’s aesthetics. Cities need monuments that reflect our past struggles and add beauty to urban spaces.”
He added, “Just as we removed tyrants from our country, we must also eliminate injustice and disorder from our city. Leaving the city dirty, covering it with banners and posters, or destroying greenery is also a form of oppression. Protecting the city from such harm is our responsibility, and we are committed to doing so.”
During the inauguration of ‘Swadhinata Toran’ on Pragati Sarani, Ejaz highlighted the contribution of teachers and students from local private universities who bravely participated in the July Movement. “This toran has been constructed to honour and recognise their struggle,” he said.
The ceremonies were attended by DNCC Chief Engineer Brig Gen Md Moin Uddin, Regional Executive Officers Md Zulkar Nayan (Zone-3) and Md Shadekur Rahman (Zone-5), along with other DNCC officials and staff.
