Parvej Husen Talukder: Created page with "{{Short description|National monument in Dhaka, Bangladesh}} {{Infobox monument | name = Shaheed Minar | native_name = শহীদ মিনার | native_name_lang = bn | image = Shaheed Minar Dhaka 02.jpg | caption = The Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, Bangladesh | location = Dhaka, Bangladesh | coordinates = {{coord|23.7274|N|90.3994|E|type:landmark|region:BD}} | designer = Hamidur Rahman | de..."

2024-12-15T08:19:23Z

Created page with "{{Short description|National monument in Dhaka, Bangladesh}} {{Infobox monument | name = Shaheed Minar | native_name = শহীদ মিনার | native_name_lang = bn | image = Shaheed Minar Dhaka 02.jpg | caption = The Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, Bangladesh | location = Dhaka, Bangladesh | coordinates = {{coord|23.7274|N|90.3994|E|type:landmark|region:BD}} | designer = Hamidur Rahman | de..."

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{{Short description|National monument in Dhaka, Bangladesh}}
{{Infobox monument
| name = Shaheed Minar
| native_name = শহীদ মিনার
| native_name_lang = bn
| image = Shaheed Minar Dhaka 02.jpg
| caption = The Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, Bangladesh
| location = [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]]
| coordinates = {{coord|23.7274|N|90.3994|E|type:landmark|region:BD}}
| designer = Hamidur Rahman
| dedicated_to = Martyrs of the [[Bengali Language Movement]]
| inaugurated = 21 February 1956 (first version); rebuilt in 1963 and 1972
}}
The '''Shaheed Minar''' ({{lang-bn|শহীদ মিনার}}), located in [[Dhaka]], Bangladesh, is a national monument commemorating the martyrs of the [[Bengali Language Movement]] of 1952. The monument symbolizes the sacrifices made by those who protested against the imposition of [[Urdu]] as the sole national language of [[Pakistan]], advocating for the recognition of [[Bengali language|Bengali]] as one of the state languages.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shaheed Minar |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Shaheed-Minar |access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Historical Background ==
In 1948, the government of Pakistan declared Urdu as the sole state language, sparking protests among the Bengali-speaking majority in [[East Pakistan]]. The movement culminated on 21 February 1952, when police opened fire on student protesters in Dhaka, killing several, including [[Salam]], [[Barkat]], [[Rafiq]], and [[Jabbar]]. This day is now observed as '''International Mother Language Day'''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bengali Language Movement |url=https://www.britannica.com/event/Bengali-Language-Movement |access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Construction ==
The first Shaheed Minar was constructed in 1956 near the site of the shootings at the [[Dhaka Medical College]] campus. However, it was demolished during the [[Pakistan Army]]’s crackdown in 1958.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Shaheed Minar |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/history-shaheed-minar |access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

The current structure, designed by architect [[Hamidur Rahman]] and sculptor [[Novera Ahmed]], was rebuilt in 1963 and renovated after Bangladesh's independence in 1971.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shaheed Minar Reconstruction |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/shaheed-minar-architecture |access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Architecture ==
The Shaheed Minar’s design incorporates symbolic elements:
* The '''central structure''' consists of five vertical columns, representing the mothers mourning their martyred sons.
* The '''red sun''' at the base symbolizes the rising sun of independence and the sacrifices made.
* The '''half-circular base''' contains murals and inscriptions celebrating the Bengali language and culture.<ref>{{cite web |title=Architectural Symbolism of Shaheed Minar |url=https://www.archdaily.com/shaheed-minar-symbolism |access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Significance ==
The Shaheed Minar has become a symbol of Bengali identity and pride. Every year, on 21 February, thousands of people gather to pay homage to the martyrs, laying wreaths at the monument. The day is observed as a national holiday in Bangladesh and recognized globally as [[International Mother Language Day]] by [[UNESCO]].<ref>{{cite web |title=International Mother Language Day |url=https://www.unesco.org/en/mother-language-day |access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Cultural Impact ==
The Shaheed Minar serves as a focal point for cultural and political events in Bangladesh. It hosts:
* Language Movement commemorations.
* Literary and cultural festivals.
* Educational initiatives promoting the Bengali language.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cultural Role of Shaheed Minar |url=https://www.bangladeshsun.com/news/shaheed-minar-dhaka |access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Maintenance and Preservation ==
The monument is maintained by the [[Ministry of Cultural Affairs (Bangladesh)]]. Recent restoration projects have focused on preserving the site’s architectural and historical integrity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Preservation of Shaheed Minar |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/culture/preservation-shaheed-minar |access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Bengali Language Movement]]
* [[International Mother Language Day]]
* [[History of Bangladesh]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.britannica.com/place/Shaheed-Minar Britannica – Shaheed Minar]
* [https://www.unesco.org/en/mother-language-day UNESCO – International Mother Language Day]

[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Bengali Language Movement]]
[[Category:History of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Dhaka]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in East Pakistan]]

Shaheed Minar (Dhaka) - Revision history