July uprising echoes in Ekushey preparations at Shaheed Minar

Alpona is being painted on roads near Shaheed Minar and TSC square

Preparations at the Central Shaheed Minar for commemoration of Amar Ekushey on Feb 21 this year carry the imprint of the July uprising, with final touches under way around the monument.

From the first hour of International Mother Language Day, it will be filled with flowers as tributes of love and remembrance.

While slogans, poems, and song lyrics are usually painted on the walls around Shaheed Minar every year, this time, a noticeable change has been observed.

On Thursday afternoon, many of the surrounding walls still bore graffiti from the student-led mass uprising.

No new slogans or murals were spotted on these walls.

Some walls have banners featuring lines from songs, poems, and slogans capturing the spirit of Ekushey.

Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Sayema Haque Bidisha said, “We have preserved the graffiti painted during the July uprising.”

As in previous years, students from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University are overseeing the decorations.

Using the asphalt roads as their canvas, they are bringing them to life with vibrant Alpona motifs.

The alpona on Shaheed Minar has already been completed. Now, the steps of the main altar are being painted red.

Turjo, a third-year student of the Department of Craft at Dhaka University, who gave a single name, told bdnews24.com: “We are honoured to paint alpona every year. This time, there was no painting work—only alpona.”

Supti, a student, also gave a single name, said: “We will continue working until 8pm. Along with the roads near Shaheed Minar, alpona is also being painted at TSC square.”

Another student Sourav Sarker said, “This day marks the greatest achievement of the Bengali nation. We earned our right to speak in our mother tongue through the sacrifice of blood.”

“We will always honour this language through our art. No matter where we are, we rush to this place on this day to paint the alpona of blood.”

Pro-Vice Chancellor Bidisha said, “Preparations for Ekushey are nearly complete. We have 12 committees working on it.

“We have made special arrangements for those injured in the July 2024 uprising to pay their respects at Shaheed Minar.”

SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS

The Shaheed Minar and its surrounding areas have been brought under CCTV surveillance ahead of Feb 21.

A public announcement stage has been set up on the rooftop of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

A control room for law-enforcing agencies, including police and RAB, has been established in the Faculty of Law premises, alongside Fire Service and first aid centres.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police, or DMP, Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali sees no security threats surrounding the International Mother Language Day observance.

On Thursday morning, he said security at the Central Shaheed Minar would be enforced in multiple layers and that no threats had been identified so far.

“We have not identified any threats, so far.”

"As in previous years, VVIPs will pay their respects first, followed by the VIPs, and finally, the general visitors.”

The police chief added, “The road for access to the monument from the western side near Palashi will be opened at around 12:40 am.

“We have taken extensive measures to ensure that no one can enter with flammable substances or explosives."

When asked about potential risks posed by criminals out on bail, he said: “We are keeping a close watch on all those who have been released on bail.”

ROUTE GUIDELINES

After inspecting the Shaheed Minar area on Thursday afternoon, Additional Commissioner of DMP Md Sarwar said, “No vehicles will be allowed within a one-kilometre radius.

“We will ensure this by setting up barricades at seven locations—Shahbagh, Nilkhet, Shahidullah Hall area, High Court area, Palashi, Chankharpul, and Bakshibazar.”

He added, "To reach Shaheed Minar, people must come via Palashi and Swadhinata Chattor, passing Jagannath Hall. To exit, they must leave via Doel Chattor.

“In previous years, vehicle movement was restricted from 6:00pm, but considering the city’s needs, we will impose restrictions from 9:00pm this time.”

Meanwhile, a press release from Dhaka University said: “Strict entry regulations will be enforced on campus after 8:00pm on the 20th of February.”

All campus residents have been requested to return to their accommodations within 8:00pm.

According to the statement, after paying tributes at Shaheed Minar, visitors must exit through the road in front of the university's playground, proceeding via Doel Chattor and Dhaka Medical College Hospital Road to Chankharpul.

Entry towards Shaheed Minar will not be allowed through this route.