Bangladesh Authorities Demolish 1971 Liberation War Mural

Local authorities in Bangladesh have demolished the mural of the Liberation War Memorial Mancha in the Lalmonirhat district, days after covering it with cloth on the country’s Independence Day.

Workers began dismantling the structure on Sunday morning and continued until evening.

According to reports, the Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner instructed workers to demolish the mural.

The artwork depicted key historical moments, including the 1950s language movement, the March 7 speech, the War of Independence, the Mujibnagar government’s formation, the 1971 genocide by Pakistan, and the surrender of the Pakistani army.

It also featured the seven great heroes and jubilant crowds celebrating victory with the national flag.

Transparency International Bangladesh Condemns Demolition

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly opposed the demolition.

The organization vowed to protest the act, with Area Coordinator Md Morshed Alam stating, “We had previously protested against covering the mural of the Liberation War. We will all protest this later.”

Public outrage intensified after authorities initially covered the mural with cloth on Bangladesh’s Independence Day.

Many citizens labeled the move a ‘shameless interference’ in the nation’s history.

Authorities Justify Action Amid Student Group’s Demand

Local media reports indicate that district administration officials covered the mural in response to demands from the student group Students Against Discrimination (SAD).

The group argued that the mural did not align with the ideology of the July Revolution.

SAD and other student organizations led the violent uprising in July 2024, which resulted in the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s democratically elected government.

Civic Organizations And Public Figures Protest

The Lalmonirhat Conscious Citizens Committee (Sonak) and TIB condemned the move by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Lalmonirhat Sonak President Azizul Haque criticized the action, stating that the mural represented significant events from the 1952 Language Movement to the 1971 Liberation War.

He added that covering such artwork on national days, including December 16, 2024, and March 26, 2025, was unjustifiable.

Mass Vandalism Of Historical Monuments

Earlier, the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) renamed roads, buildings, and structures previously dedicated to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his family, and Awami League leaders.

Bangabandhu Avenue, for instance, has been renamed Shaheed Abrar Fahad Avenue.

Since the Yunus government took power in August 2024, reports indicate that over 1,500 sculptures, murals, and memorials across the country have been vandalized, set on fire, or destroyed.

The destruction of the Lalmonirhat mural has further fueled nationwide concerns about historical preservation and political interference in Bangladesh’s national identity.

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