Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Bangladesh National Martyrs’ Memorial

photo of a monument in Bangladesh photo byBabul abdul malek Wikimedia 

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Bangladesh National Martyrs’ Memorial

The National Martyrs’ Memorial is the national monument of Bangladesh. It was  set up in the memory of those who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence of 1971, which brought independence and separated Bangladesh from Pakistan. The monument is located in Savar, about 35 km north-west of the capital, Dhaka. It was designed by Syed Mainul Hossain and built by Concord Group.

 The main structure and the artificial lake and other facilities were completed in

1982. It was Inaugurated at 16 December 1982. The architecture is composed of seven pairs of triangular-shaped walls or prisms. The outermost pair being the shortest in height but widest in span. The inner pairs gradually change their aspect ratio and the innermost pair thus forms the peak point of the architecture.

 Each of these seven pairs of walls represents a significant chapter in the history of Bangladesh, namely the Language Movement in 1952, the 1954 provincial 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, and finally the climactic event of the Independence War in 1971, through which Bangladesh became a separate independent sovereign state

Here are Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Bangladesh National Martyrs’ Memorial

1. The Bangladesh National Martyrs’ Memorial was completed in 1972

The National Martyrs Monument Dhaka, Bangladesh, Photo by David Stanley Wikimedia 

As the National Martyrs’ Memorial was completed in 1982. It became instantly a big landmark for the entire country. The National Martyrs’ Memorial can be easily recognized enhance attracts   plenty of visitors of this Asian country who would like to get a glimpse of this alluringly beautiful masterpiece.

2. It has occupied a land of 84 acres

The National Martyrs’ memorial is Spread over an area of about 34 hectares (84 acres). The entrance is through a gate which leads towards the memorial walking. Its has different ups and downs of pavements to finally cross the artificial lake by a bridge. This was intended to symbolize the eternal struggle of the people for their freedom.

3. The National Martyrs ‘memorial is considered as one of the most beautiful monument 

 It is considered to be one of the most beautiful monuments, at first the authorities wanted to built one since 1972. Following the selection of the location, land development together with roads that will lead to the monument, the construction finally began in 1978, when the project of the Bangladeshi structural engineer and architect, Syed Mainul Hossain was chosen.

4. It has a features of 7 isosceles triangular pyramid 

National Martyrs’ Memorial, Sava, Bangladesh. photo by Mahmudul Karim Farsad Wikimedia

The monument is composed of seven isosceles triangular pyramid-shaped structures, with the middle one being the tallest. The highest point of the monument is 150 feet.

There is an artificial lake and several mass graves in front of the main memorial. The architect has used concrete for the monument while all the other structures and pavements of the complex are made of red bricks. 

5. Every of the seven pairs of walls are representing a different point of Bangladeshi history

The architecture is composed of seven pairs of triangular-shaped walls or prisms. Each of these seven pairs of walls represents a significant chapter in the history of Bangladesh, namely the Language Movement in 1952, the Election of United Front in 1954.

Including the Constitution Movement in 1956, the Education Movement in 1962, 6-point Movement in 1966, the Mass Uprising in 1969, and finally the climatic event of Liberation War in 1971, through which Bangladesh was liberated.

6. The highest prism wall of the Bangladesh National Martyrs’ memorial is 46 meters (150 feet )

photo of a monument in Bangladesh photo by Babul Abdul malek Wikimedia

The highest point of the structure reaches 150 feet. This unique arrangement of the planes has created a structure that seems to change its configuration when viewed from different angles.

The architect has used concrete for the monument while all the other structures and pavements of the complex are made of red bricks.

7. The National Martyrs ‘memorial is a great symbol for the Bangladeshi freedom which was won with great sacrifice

The National Martyrs’ Memorial, better known locally as Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, is an important national monument that can be found in the district of Savar Upazila, within the capital of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka. 

It’s honors all those who sacrificed their lives during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 which brought the independence of the nation, it is a great symbol for the Bangladeshi freedom which was won with great sacrifice.

8. It was constructed in three phases

National Martyrs’ Memorial, Sava, Bangladesh. photo by Mahmudul Karim Farsad Wikimedia 

The first one, began in 1972, involved in acquiring land and constructing road for the project at a cost of Tk 26 lacs. During the second phase, 1974-1982, Tk 3.77 crores were spent in order to build the mass-graves, helipad, parking space, pavements etc. 

In the third phase, began in August 1982, the main structure was built apart from the artificial lake, green belt, cafeteria, housing etc. The third phase required Tk 848.65 lacs. The Public Works Department of the Government of Bangladesh supervised the construction of the project.

9. The Bangladesh National Martyrs ‘memorial structures and pavements of made of red bricks symbolize it was made of blood 

There is an artificial lake and several mass graves in front of the main memorial. The architect has used concrete for the monument while all the other structures and pavements of the complex are made of red bricks. It symbolizes that it is built with concrete but made of blood.

10. The National Martyr’s memorial is graveyard

The National Martyrs Monument Dhaka, Bangladesh, Photo by David Stanley Wikimedia

There is an artificial lake and several mass graves in front of the main memorial. Once one enters the main complex through the main entrance, she or he can see the monument axially. Though  to reach it one has to walk through different ups and downs of the pavements and cross the artificial lake by a bridge. All these represent the struggle for independence, our freedom.

 The most moving sight of the complex is the several graves of the martyred freedom fighters: close to the towers.  Most of the visitors Stand in front of the graves. And also bow down their heads as act of   respect.  This is because the towers soar up symbolizing the loftiness of the spirits of  the  heroes. They were the freedom fighters.