National Movement Of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has seen her share of struggles. People fighting for the right to speak a language were massacred by military fire; intellectuals were murdered throughout the liberation war; notoriously brave freedom fighters went to battle without ever having used weapons and still managed to win the war. Hence our national memorials and monuments to honor them!

National Memorial | National Parliament Building | Central Shaheed Minar | Suhrawardi Udyan and Mausoleum of the National Leaders | Mujibnagar

National Memorial

Located at Savar, about 35 kilometers to the northwest of Dhaka City, the National Monument, or Sriti Shoudho was built to commemorate the sacrifice of seven our bravest freedom fighters, the Bir Sreshthos. It is also the sight of one of many mass graves from the time of the liberation war.

Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes to travel from Dhaka City to Savar, 30 minutes for the site; longer for picnics.

Time: It is open to the public all day till 7pm.

National Parliament Building

Designed by Louis Kahn, one of the largest legislative buildings in the world, completed in 1982, is located in the middle of Dhaka city. It was inspired by the structure of the bamboo plant, and is surrounded by manmade lakes in geometric shapes. The building can be viewed from outside. The pavement next to Manik Mia Avenue, across from the complex, is littered with carts selling delicious local fuchkas, chatpati, bhel puri and tea where you can grab some refreshments.

Duration: 20- 30 minutes

Time: It is open to the public during the day. Late afternoon probably gives the best view. There are less crowds by evening.

Central Shaheed Minar

This monument was built to honour the students and activists who were killed during the Language Movement on February 21, 1952. It is located at the site of the killings on The University of Dhaka campus.

Duration: About 15 minutes

Suhrawardi Udyan and Mausoleum of the National Leaders

Suhrawardi Udyan is a popular park on Dhaka University campus, that is steeped in history. During the Mughal Era, the area was home to top generals and other officials. In 1825, a race course was built here. But most importantly, the park represents our liberation from Pakistan. This was the place where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, our liberation leader called for the independence of Bangladesh on March 7, 1971. This is also where the Pakistani forces officially surrendered. On the southwest side of the park is a memorial dedicated to four of our national leaders, who played major roles in the nine-month long fight for independence. They were killed two days before victory.

Duration: About 15 - 20 mins

Mujibnagar

On the western side of Bangladesh, near the Indian border in Khulna, is the small town of Meherpur, which is the birthplace of our independence movement leader. Mujibnagar is a town 8km away named after Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It was here that the new government of Bangladesh was first formed. Many of the independence war strategies were directed from this location. This little place is steeped in not just Bangladeshi history but also of ancient times. The Pallasey field in Mujibnagar is also where the Mughal Kingdom fell to the British in 1757.

There are various memorials at Mujibnagar. Currently, a memorial is being built, complete with a large map of Bangladesh, with clay figures showing different events in our history. It is located across from the Pallasey field.

Duration: 1 hr in the town, after arrival to Khulna

Time: Year round. But autumn and winter are the best times to visit as the weather will be cooler then.

National Memorial | National Parliament Building | Central Shaheed Minar | Suhrawardi Udyan and Mausoleum of the National Leaders | Mujibnagar