Govt to build new Bir Sreshtho Hamidur Rahman monument after Jhenaidah sculpture removal

The sculpture of Bir Sreshtho Hamidur Rahman in Jhenaidah had been the subject of controversy for a long time as it was incomplete, Information and Broadcasting Adviser to the Prime Minister Zahed Ur Rahman said today (21 July).

He said the government will take steps to construct a new monument to the Liberation War hero at a suitable location.

Speaking at a regular media briefing at the Secretariat, the adviser said two major concerns had been raised regarding the sculpture.

First, the bust did not accurately portray the facial features of Bir Sreshtho Hamidur Rahman. Second, the excessively high pedestal had made the nearby road intersection accident-prone.

Zahed said the district administration had informed the government that a new bust monument would be built at a convenient location, properly depicting the Liberation War hero's appearance and reflecting the spirit of the Liberation War.

The sculpture of Bir Sreshtho Hamidur Rahman, located in front of the Jhenaidah Central Bus Terminal, was dismantled over several days last week.

Its removal sparked controversy after no official explanation was provided for dismantling the monument.

Responding to another question at the briefing, the adviser said the government would look into allegations that a man was picked up in Mongla, Bagerhat, by individuals posing as Coast Guard personnel and had remained missing for three months.

He said the allegation would be treated seriously.

He said, "An allegation has surfaced that someone was picked up by people claiming to be Coast Guard personnel, and there has been no trace of him for three months. I do not think such an incident occurred during the tenure of a government that has long been a victim of enforced disappearances."

"However, some vested interest group might have carried out such an act. I will discuss the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs," he added.