The National Martyrs’ Memorial, The pride of Bangladesh

The National Martyrs’ Memorial, The pride of Bangladesh
The National Martyrs’ Memorial is a renowned and historical monument in Bangladesh. This is spelled as Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho (জাতীয় স্মৃতি সৌধ Jatio Sriti Shoudho or Jatiyo Smriti Soudho or Jatyo Smriti Soudho). Here “Jatiyo” or “Jatio” or “Jatyo”means “National”, “Smriti” or “Sriti” means “Memorial” and “Soudho” or “Shoudho” means “Monument”. This symbolizesthe courage and the sacrifice of the martyrs of the Bangladesh during the Liberation War of 1971, which brought the independence of the then East Pakistan from the rule of the then West Pakistan and formed a New country, Bangladesh.
Location:
This is located at Savar, 35 KM away from Dhaka in north-western direction. This was inaugurated at 16 December, 1982.
Designer and Architect:
A national competition was held for the design of the project in June, 1978. Among the 57 competitors Architect, Mr. Syed Moinul Hossain’s (সৈয়দ মাইনুল হোসেন) design proposal was selected.
Architecture:
The monument tower is made by concrete and other structures and pavements are made by red bricks. This red bricks reminds the blood of millions of people, who sacrificed their blood for the liberation of Bangladesh. The main monument is composed of 7 isosceles triangular pyramid like planes each varying in size in its height and base. 7 isosceles triangular pyramids remind seven Bir Sreshthos. The highest one has the smallest base while the broadest base has the lowest height. The planes are folded at the middle and placed one after another. The highest point of the structure reaches 150 feet. This unique arrangement of the planes has created a mysterious structure that seems to change its configuration when observed from different angles. Several mass graves and a beautiful reflection water body are placed in front of this monument. Anyone has to walk through different ups and downs of pavements and cross an artificial lake by a bridge-all of those represent the struggle for independence.
Area:
The complex is spread over an area of 34 hectares (84 acres) which is wrapped around by a green belt of 10 hectares (24.7 acres).
History of construction:
The Public Works Department of the Bangladesh Government supervised the construction of the project of National Martyrs’ Memorial. The project was constructed in three phases. The first phase began in 1972, involved in acquiring land and constructing road for the project at a cost of Tk 26 lacs. During the second phase, starting from 1974 to 1982, an amount of 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 along with artificial lake, green belt, cafeteria, housing etc. with a cost of Tk 8.49 crores.