Dhaka:The government has instructed relevant authorities to finish the construction of the library, audio-visual hall, and art gallery at the Rayerbazar Martyred Intellectuals Memorial before December 14, which marks Martyred Intellectuals Day. Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Aazam Khan expressed dissatisfaction over the construction delays during his visit to the memorial.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the importance of preserving the history of the Liberation War and the sacrifices of martyred intellectuals for future generations. He highlighted the need to protect the historical site and ensure the proper use and maintenance of the new structures.
The newly constructed facilities are part of a project initiated by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and implemented by the Public Works Department, with an estimated cost of Tk 66.18 crore. 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),' includes the development of various infrastructures such as a library-cum-audio-visual hall, an art gallery, office rooms, and technical installations.
Minister Aazam stated that the library would facilitate study and research on the Liberation War, while the art gallery would display significant events and stories from the 1971 war. These facilities aim to provide the public, especially the youth, with a deeper understanding of the country's history and the sacrifices made by its martyrs.
A meeting with project officials is scheduled for October 29 to accelerate the completion of the pending work. The minister also underscored the necessity for effective arrangements to ensure the facilities' proper use and maintenance. Senior ministry officials and project representatives accompanied the minister during his visit to the memorial site.