The government has directed the authorities concerned to complete the remaining construction work on the library, audio-visual hall and art gallery at the Rayerbazar Martyred Intellectuals Memorial before Martyred Intellectuals Day on 14 December.
Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Aazam Khan issued the directive during a visit to the memorial in the capital today (27 October), expressing dissatisfaction over delays and shortcomings in the construction work.
The minister said the newly built facilities would help preserve the history of the Liberation War and the sacrifices of martyred intellectuals for future generations. He stressed the need to protect the historical site and ensure the proper use and regular maintenance of the newly constructed structures.
"The Great Liberation War is a glorious chapter in the history of Bangladesh. Alongside cherishing and upholding this glory, it is our responsibility to properly preserve the sites associated with the memories of the Liberation War for future generations," he said.
Aazam said the government had undertaken initiatives to preserve and utilise the facilities at the memorial so that the sacrifices of the martyrs would be remembered by generations to come.
During the visit, he inspected the facilities to assess their condition and ensure their proper use and maintenance.
The minister said the library would provide opportunities for study and research on the Liberation War and related subjects, while the art gallery would showcase important events, battles and heroic stories from the 1971 war. The facilities would help the public, particularly young people, gain a deeper understanding of the country's Liberation War history and the sacrifices of the martyrs.
Recalling their participation in the 1971 Liberation War, Aazam said the war remained a source of national pride. He added that the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs aimed to preserve its history, memories and heritage and present its authentic narrative to future generations.
Following the inspection, the minister announced that a meeting with project officials would be held on 29 October to accelerate the completion of the outstanding work. He also stressed the need for effective arrangements to ensure the proper use and regular maintenance of the facilities.
The infrastructure has been developed under the project titled "Preservation of Massacre Sites Used by Pakistani Occupation Forces for Genocide During the Great Liberation War of 1971 and Construction of Memorials (Phase II) (First Revised)." The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs initiated the project, which is being implemented by the Public Works Department, at an estimated cost of Tk66.18 crore.
Under the project, a library-cum-audio-visual hall, an art gallery, administrative and office rooms, a generator room, 10 shops and a boundary wall have been constructed at the site.
Technical installations include a 100 kVA transformer, a 40 kVA generator, CCTV cameras, a solar power system, an intercom system, stage lighting, a centrifugal pump and firefighting equipment. Furniture has also been supplied for the library, audio-visual hall and office rooms.
Among others, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Secretary Md Abul Hasanat Humayun Kabir, Additional Secretary (Planning and Development) Md Shahjahan Mia, Joint Secretary and the minister's Private Secretary Md Zehad Uddin, Joint Secretary (Planning) Mohammad Shamsul Haque and other senior ministry officials and project representatives were present during the visit.