Friday, October 14, 2011

Jatiyo Smriti Soudho (The National Martyr Monument)

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, 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.

1 comment:

  1. Jatiyo Smriti Soudho (The National Martyr Monument) is very excellent tourist attraction of Bangladesh.

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