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🇧🇩 Bangladesh /Culture & Society

Liberation War hero's memorial site in disrepair, lacks memorabilia

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Visitors found the memorial site for Liberation War hero Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman in Narsingdi in disrepair, with damaged facilities and a lack of memorabilia.
  • The library, established in 2008, has not received new books since its inception, and the museum lacks displays of Rahman's personal items, leading to disappointment among visitors.
  • Locals expressed frustration over the neglect of the site, with allegations of drug abuse on the premises, while local authorities stated the museum and library are managed by the district council and promised to address the issues.

The memorial site dedicated to Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, a hero of Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War, is in a state of neglect, disappointing visitors and locals alike. Despite observing the 55th death anniversary of Rahman, who was martyred on August 20, 1971, the memorial built in his honor in Narsingdi, along with an associated library and museum established in 2008, suffers from damaged facilities and a lack of essential upkeep.

The sacrifice of Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman is a matter of pride for us. But it is disappointing that there is no memorabilia of him in the museum.

— Imran HossainA local youth expressing disappointment over the lack of personal items belonging to the war hero at the memorial site.

During a recent visit, visitors encountered broken walls and seating areas near the entrance of Ramnagar High School. The library, intended to house around 4,200 books, has not seen new additions since its establishment. More critically, the memorial museum remains in poor condition, failing to display any of Matiur Rahman's personal belongings, documents, or memorabilia. This absence leaves visitors feeling disappointed and unable to connect with the hero's legacy.

Adding to the neglect, locals allege that drug abusers frequent the premises at night, further tarnishing the dignity of the site. "The sacrifice of Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman is a matter of pride for us. But it is disappointing that there is no memorabilia of him in the museum," said Imran Hossain, a local youth. Mamun Mia, a former member of the Mosapur Union Parishad, lamented that the area, as the birthplace of a national hero, should have received more facilities.

the area should have received more facilities as the birthplace of a national hero.

— Mamun MiaA former member of the Mosapur Union Parishad commenting on the insufficient facilities at the memorial site.

Librarian Beauty Akter highlighted further issues, stating that donated personal belongings remain packed in boxes due to a lack of display arrangements. Waterlogging during the rainy season and broken electric lights exacerbate the damage to the facility. In response, Raipura Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Masud acknowledged the problems, noting that the museum and library operate under the district council's supervision. He assured that the administration would take necessary measures to address the reported issues.

donated personal belongings remain packed in boxes due to lack of display arrangements.

— Beauty AkterThe librarian explaining the challenges in showcasing donated items at the museum.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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