Mural on Liberation War covered with sheets in Lalmonirhat, citizens group protests

Sachetan Nagorik Committee, committee of concerned citizens, and different political and social organisations have protested as a mural was covered with sheets at the Liberation War Memorial Mancha in Lalmonirhat district, drawing a huge criticism.

The members of Sachetan Nagorik Committee noticed that the mural of the Liberation War Memorial Mancha was covered when they went there to pay tribute at the mancha near Lalmonirhat Children Park in the district town on Independence Day.

Later, they left the place immediately and placed floral wreaths at the Railway Martyrs Memorial.

The mural depicted various stages of the Liberation War, including the Language Movement, Bangabandhu's March 7 speech, the formation of the Mujibnagar government, the "Charampatra" declaration, battles fought by the Mukti Bahini, the contributions of the Bir Sreshtho and the surrender of the Pakistani army and other relevant documents.

Captain (retd), Azizul Islam, Bir Protik, president of Sachetan Nagorik Committee, said "This mural is a sequential record of our history. Covering it is deeply saddening."

Shafiqul Islam Kanu, president of the Lalmonirhat unit Shujan (Sushaner Jonno Nagarik), said "This is a shameless interference in the history of the Bengali nation. I strongly denounce and protest against it."

Sufi Mohammad, general secretary of the Sommilito Sangskritik Forum, said, "If the mural is outdated, it can be renovated. But covering it with fabric is an act resembling a circus."

Supendra Nath Dutta, vice president of Sachetan Nagorik Committee, said, "Concealing the contributions and history of freedom fighters means denying their sacrifices. This goes against the spirit of independence and the Liberation War."

Poet Helal Hossain Kabir said, "If a fascist government is removed and the country is run by fascist bureaucrats instead, expecting anything better from them is foolish. I strongly condemn this incident."

Contacted, Deputy Commissioner HM Rakib Haidar told journalists, "The mural has been covered because it does not align with the spirit of the July Revolution."

However, he refused to comment further.