Shaheed Minar
- The Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, Bangladesh:
- Stands as a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives in the historic Bengali Language Movement protests of 1952, advocating for the recognition of Bengali.
- Architectural Marvel by Hamidur Rahman and Novera Ahmed:
- Originally unveiled in 1963, the monument endured the ravages of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 before being meticulously reconstructed.
- Distinctive Features:
- Gracefully crafted from marble, it rises 14 meters high, adorned with a semi-circular array of columns symbolizing the essence of motherhood and the spirit of sacrifice.
- Elegant Design Elements:
- Its ethereal white façade, accentuated by intricate ironwork inscribed with poignant verses, lends the monument an aura of reverence and divinity.
- Spiritual Reflections Inside:
- Within its hallowed confines, visitors encounter solemn statues paying homage to the martyrs, while the marble flooring casts haunting shadows of the towering columns.
- Historical Narrative Depicted:
- Delving into the depths of its basement, a captivating mural narrates the stirring saga of the Language Movement, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping Bangladeshi nationalism and cultural identity.
- Global Reverence and Recognition:
- Its significance transcends borders, with UNESCO's declaration of February 21st as International Mother Language Day in 1999, immortalizing the sacrifices made in 1952. On 17 November 1999, UNESCO proclaimed 21 February as International Mother Language Day to commemorate the language movement in Bangladesh. Internationally, Bangladeshis celebrate the day to honor language freedom and multilingualism.
- Worldwide Emulation:
- Inspiring solidarity worldwide, replicas of the Shaheed Minar stand tall across the globe, with the inaugural one erected in Oldham, Britain, in 1997, attesting to its enduring global resonance.
- The Shaheed Minar in Glasgow, United Kingdom:
- The architectural model 'Shaheed Minar in Glasgow' was designed by architect Dr. Ishtiaque Zahir from the Bangladesh Institute of Engineering and Technology (BUET), maintaining its originality while incorporating ancient and modern alphabets ascending to the monument. These alphabets symbolise the footsteps of all language speakers from the past and present, representing multilingualism.