Loading...Among the various sites and structures in Bangladesh that commemorate the Liberation War, one of the most prominent is the “Rayer Bazar Martyrs’ Intellectual Memorial.” This memorial (Shahid Buddijibi Sriti Shoudho) was built in memory of the intellectuals who were martyred during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Located in the Rayer Bazar area of Mohammadpur, Dhaka, it stands as a significant tribute to the intellectual martyrs of Bangladesh.
Throughout the entire Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, Pakistani soldiers and their local collaborators systematically executed the country’s teachers, doctors, engineers, poets, and writers. On December 14, 1971, just two days before the surrender of the Pakistani army, the largest number of killings took place. On the night of December 14, 1971, 200 intellectuals including professors, journalists, doctors, artists, engineers, and writers from East Pakistan were detained in Dhaka. They were blindfolded and taken from various torture cells in Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Nakhalkpara, Rajarbagh, and other parts of the city. Later, their executions were carried out in Rayer Bazar and Mirpur. In honor of these martyrs, December 14 is observed as “Shaheed Buddhijibi Dibosh” (Martyrs’ Intellectual Day) in Bangladesh.
The approximate number of martyred intellectuals: 991 educators, 13 journalists, 49 doctors, 42 lawyers, and 16 others (cultural figures, artists, and engineers).
Significance of the Design of the Martyrs’ Intellectual Memorial
The memorial is located at the site where the bodies of the martyrs were discovered. The main brick wall at Rayer Bazar is 17.68 meters thick, 0.91 meters high, and 115.82 meters long. The wall itself symbolizes the sorrow and the depth of grief, with its two ends visibly broken.
On the southwestern side of the wall, there is a 6.10 meters by 6.10 meters square window through which visitors can view the sky. Additionally, the large wall extends downward, symbolizing the sorrowful nature of the memorial. In front of the curved wall, there is a black granite pillar standing in the water, representing deep sadness.
How to Reach the Martyrs’ Intellectual Memorial
You can travel directly to Mohammadpur or Farmgate from anywhere in the country. From Mohammadpur, you can take a rickshaw to reach the Martyrs’ Intellectual Memorial.
If you are coming from Farmgate, there are some bus services from Farmgate to Mohammadpur, or you can take a tempo to reach Mohammadpur. From Mohammadpur, take a rickshaw to the Martyrs’ Intellectual Memorial.
If you have more information or any correction in this information please comment here.
