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Published : 22 Apr 2025, 09:56 PM
The Public Works Department (PWD) has brushed aside claims circulating on social media that the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur is being demolished, clarifying that the site is simply “undergoing renovations”.
Posts alleging the structure was being torn down have circulated on Facebook for the past two days, with some users even going live from the site showing partially removed brickwork.
The footage triggered widespread debate and confusion online.
Speaking to bdnews24.com on Tuesday, Rashed Ahsan, executive engineer at the PWD’s Mirpur office, confirmed that several people had contacted him directly after seeing the posts.
He explained that the work is part of a project titled “Modernisation of the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Dhaka’s Mirpur”.
The plan involves the construction of a two-storey multi-purpose building, improvement of the drainage system, replacement of the dilapidated brickwork of the main structure, and the replacement of worn-out bricks and tiles in the front plaza.
“No changes to the original design of the memorial will be made. The renovation is being done under the existing layout,” Rashed said.
“Misinformation has been spread and the public misled,” he added. “The ceramic tiles on the plaza have worn out due to years of use, and without proper drainage, rainwater accumulates.
“That’s why new drainages are being installed and the plaza is being slightly raised.”
He said the multipurpose building will include a small library and restroom to be used by the president and prime minister during commemorative events.
The renovation began in November last year and is scheduled to be complete by June.
The project, worth Tk 117.3 million, is being implemented by Kusholi Nirmata Limited.
The memorial was built in honour of intellectuals killed by Al-Badr forces on Dec 14, 1971.
The foundation stone of the memorial was unveiled on Dec 22, 1972, by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was then prime minister.
Architect Mostafa Harun Quddus Hili designed the structure.
