The National Martyr Monument

After a bloody war of nine months a small beautiful country Bangladesh has emerged as an independent country in the world atlas. Jatiyo Smriti Soudho is the national martyr monument of Bangladesh. It is the symbol of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Bangladesh. This is one of the beautiful monuments of Bangladesh and it is situated at Savar, near the capital Dhaka, Bangladesh. This is one of the major tourist attractions of Bangladesh and it reminds us our great heroes, who gave up their valuable lives for the independence of Bangladesh. Several mass-graves and a pool of water are placed in front of this beautiful monument. A man-made lake, a twin bridge, a reflective pool and a picturesque garden surround the monument. The dual bridge crossing a natural canal ends up in the foremost sacred a part of the monument.

The main plans of this monument were initiated after the independence in 1972. For the memory of the unforgettable unsung heroes of the country the muse stone of the monument was arranged at Savar on 16 December, 1972 by the daddy of the nation Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rhaman.

In 1978, a nation-wide design competition was held and among the 57 competitors Architect Syed Moinul Hossain's design proposal was approved. The main structure, the artificial lake and other facilities were completed of this monument in 1982.

This beautiful complex is spread over an area of 34 hectares and it is wrapped around by a green belt of 10 hectares. This beautiful environment creates this monument very attractive. The monument tower is made by concrete and other structures and pavements are made by red bricks. This red bricks reminds us about the blood of the 3 million people, who sacrificed their blood for the liberation of Bangladesh. This monument is composed with 7 isosceles triangular pyramid shaped structures but the middle one being the tallest. The highest point of the monument is 150 feet. The seeds of the movement up through the struggle for the honor of the national language, Bengal in 1952 and thenceforth grew in phases through the mass upheavals of 1954, 58, 62, 66, 69 and eventually the liberation movement in 1971. This unique arrangement of the planes has created a structure that seems to change its configuration when viewed from different angles. Several mass graves and a beautiful reflection water body are placed in front of this monument. If anybody enters into the complex through the main gate, he or she can see the monument axially. But to reach it one has to walk through different ups and downs of pavements and cross an artificial lake by a bridge-all these represent the struggle for independence.

The Public Works Department of the Government of Bangladesh supervised the construction of the project. This project was involved in to build the mass graves, pavements, parking spaces, helipad, the main structure, apart from the artificial lake, green belt, cafeteria, housing etc.

Now, this monument shows the Bangladesh’s history and this is one of the major tourist spot of Bangladesh. Everyday lots of people visit here to see this extra-ordinary monument. Every year on 16 December, lots of people visit here and remember the supreme sacrifice of all martyrs with great respect.