National Martyrs' Monument — Attraction in Dhaka Division

The National Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the memory of the freedom fighters and civilian Bengalis and non-Bengalis who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence. It is located in Savar. Sritisoudh has seven pillars which bear the symbols of the seven main movements of Bangladesh's liberation struggle.

National Memorial

MapWikimedia © OpenStreetMap General information condition In memory of national martyrs type Public monument location Savar, Bangladesh Start of construction 1978 Completion of construction 1982 height up to the roof 150 ft (46 m) Design and construction the architect Syed Mainul Hossain It was designed by the architect [Syed Mainul Hossain]. [1] There are ten mass graves of those who died in the Liberation War. [2] It is customary to pay respects at this memorial when foreign statesmen come on official visits to Bangladesh.

On March 26, 1971, the independence war of Bangladesh began. It ended with victory on 16th December of the same year. About three million people lost their lives in this war. This memorial is dedicated to the valiant struggle of the people of Bangladesh and stands as a shining symbol of the nation's respect for the martyrs of the liberation war. The monument and its grounds cover an area of ​​34 hectares (84 acres). Apart from this, it is surrounded by another 10 hectares (24 acres) of tree-lined green belt. This memorial commemorates the victory and success of all patriotic citizens and freedom fighters. The seven triangular minarets flow through the country symbolizing each of the seven stages of Bangladesh's liberation struggle. The first of these seven stages was initiated by the Bayanar Bhashya movement. Later on, progressing through mass uprisings of fifty-four, fifty-six, sixty-two, sixty-six and seventy-nine, the final victory of the freedom struggle was achieved through the liberation war of seventy-one. The minaret is 45 meters (150.00 ft) high and is located at a prominent point in the National Martyrs' Memorial compound. The minaret is surrounded by artificial lakes and gardens. There are ten mass graves of unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the motherland in the memorial grounds. The memorial premises also have an open stage, reception hall, mosque, helipad, cafeteria.

The total area of ​​the memorial premises is 84 acres. Surrounding the monument is a 24-acre green ring with trees. The height of the monument is 150 feet. The monument consists of seven pairs of triangular walls. The walls are arranged from small to large. These seven pairs of walls represent the seven successive stages of Bangladesh's independence movement. Language Movement of 1952, United Front Elections of 1954, Regime Movement of 1956, Education Movement of 1962, Six Point Movement of 1966, Mass Uprising of 1969, Liberation War of 1971 - these seven events have been considered as the circumnavigation of freedom movement. [4]।

On December 16, 1972, the then President of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid the foundation stone of this memorial at Nabinagar, 25 kilometers from Dhaka city, on the side of the Dhaka-Aricha highway. In 1978, President Ziaur Rahman initiated the construction of the memorial and the design was called for. Among the 57 designs received in June 1978, the design by Syed Mainul Hossain was accepted. Construction of the main memorial began in 1979 AD and was completed shortly before Victory Day in 1982 AD. According to the project adopted in 2002 AD, there are plans to set up a bonfire, extensive murals and a library. [3] Foreign heads of state visiting Bangladesh personally plant memorial trees here. Apart from the minaret of the memorial, the architectural design of all other construction works including the master plan and landscape plan of the project was prepared by the Directorate of Architecture of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The construction work started in July 1972 and was completed in 1988. The Directorate of Public Works under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works...

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. Here “Jatiyo” means “National”, “Smriti” means “Memorial” and “Soudho” means “Monument”. This is one of the beautiful monuments of Bangladesh and it is situated at Savar, near the capital (Dhaka) of 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.

Jatiyo Smriti Soudho is very important monument for Bangladesh’s history so, Bangladesh Government was very aware about this monument. The main plans of this monument were initiated after the independence in 1972. But due to many problems, it was delayed after 1972-1978. But in 1978, a nation-wide design competition was held in June for the site selection, road and land development about this monument. 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 (84 acres) and it is wrapped around by a green belt of 10 hectares (24.7 acre). 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. 7 isosceles triangular pyramids remind us our seven Bir Sreshthos. 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. But this project was constructed in three times. The first project was involved in acquiring land and constructing road for the project. It was in 1972. The cost of this project was 26 lacs. The second project was in 1974-1982. The cost of this project was 3.77 crores. This project was involved in to build the mass graves, pavements, parking spaces, helipad etc. And the third project was in August 1982.  The cost of this project was 848.65 lacs. This project was involved in to build the main structure, apart from the artificial lake, green belt, cafeteria,...

This is the National Martyrs’ Memorial, locally known as Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, a prominent national monument in Savar Upazila. The memorial serves as a symbol of freedom for Bangladesh, which was won with great sacrifice.

National Martyrs’ Memorial is situated in Nabinagar, Savar approximately 35 km away from Dhaka. Architect Syed Mainul Hossain designed this 46 m (150 ft) tall monument, with its construction completed in 1982. Composition of seven triangle concrete structures, history behind this monument, and its symbolic value make this attraction special. Honoring all those who sacrificed their lives during Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, which delivered independence for the nation.

The Liberation War in Bangladesh, was a revolution and armed conflict against Pakistan (West Pakistan), sparked by rise of Bengali nationalist and self-determination movement in what was then East Pakistan during 1971 Bangladesh genocide. It resulted in independence of People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Plans for monument were initiated in 1976. Following site selection, road and land development, a nationwide design competition was held in June 1978. Following evaluation of 57 submissions, Syed Mainul Hossain's design was chosen. On 16 December 1982, 11 years after Bangladesh became an independent country, National Martyrs' Monument was inaugurated.

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 by walking. It has different ups and downs of pavements to finally cross an artificial lake by a bridge. This was intended to symbolize eternal struggle of Bengali people for their freedom.

Today the national martyrs’ memorial represents efforts and spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism, freedom and also highlight the importance of liberty in social and cultural progress of a country. As a result, this monument has a very significant place in social and cultural mechanism of Bangladesh.

The national martyr’s monument is not simply a memorial but something more for us Bangladeshis. It is of great importance and significance in our national life. It was built to give tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to achieve freedom for Bengali nation. Liberation war martyrs are remembered at this national martyr’s memorial every year. Thousands of people pay homage at this memorial starting early morning on 16 December the Victory Day, and on 26 March the Independence Day,  to recall the sacrifices of the martyrs with gratitude, and to take a fresh vow to uphold the spirit of 1971 Liberation War to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh.

Moreover, Presidents and Prime Ministers of foreign countries also visit this iconic monument during their official visit to join a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the heroism and patriotism of those who sacrificed their lives to win...