Shaheed Minar gets a fresh pattern of ‘Alpona’ as walls become a canvas for language tributes

Shifting from the white, black, and red hues of last year’s July Uprising theme, the decorations have returned to a more vibrant and traditional colour palette

As the nation prepares to observe International Mother Language Day, the Central Shaheed Minar is being transformed into a vibrant canvas of heritage and remembrance.

Dhaka University’s Fine Arts students are working round-the-clock, using brushes and palettes to adorn the monument’s altar and surrounding walls with Alpona, a traditional motif, and verses of the 1952 Language Movement.

This year’s aesthetic marks a notable shift from the previous year.

While the 2025 decorations were themed around the July Uprising with a sombre palette of white, black, and red, the current committee has opted for a more traditional and colourful approach.

Kawsar Hasan Togar, convenor of the graffiti painting committee, told bdnews24.com: “Last year, we focused on the July Uprising. Since Bangladesh has now returned to a democratic and stable path, we have reverted to our traditional Alpona styles, using white, yellow, pink, and blue.”

Professor Azharul Islam, head of the decoration committee, added that instead of the previous year's graffiti, the boundary walls will now feature banners and hangings inscribed with iconic songs, poems, and slogans dedicated to the language martyrs.

Approximately 500 students are involved in the beautification work.

Following the completion of nine major patterns on the main altar by Thursday midnight, the team will move to the surrounding streets on Friday morning.

The stretch from Doel Chattar to the Jagannath Hall crossing will be covered in street art.

The law-enforcing agencies have placed the entire area under 24-hour CCTV surveillance.

A central coordination cell, fire service unit, and primary medical centre have been established nearby.

The university’s law faculty premises will serve as the official announcement stage.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and university administration have announced several restrictions to ensure a smooth flow of mourners.

Residents and visitors are requested to enter the campus by 7pm on Friday.

Entry thereafter will require security passes or ID cards.

Vehicle movement will be restricted on routes including Bakshibazar to Jagannath Hall, Chankharpul to Romana Square, and TSC to Shib Bari.

Mourners can access the monument on foot via the Palashi intersection, Doel Chattar, and the High Court crossing.

The official observance begins at the first hour of Feb 21 with floral tributes from the president and the prime minister.

Later, at 6:30am, the university administration will lead a “Provat Feri” (dawn procession) starting from the “Smriti Chirantan” square to pay homage to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the mother tongue.