Dhaka: Seven galleries of the Jatiya Sangsad have been renamed after the seven Bir Sreshthas, Bangladesh's highest military gallantry award recipients, in recognition of their contributions to the 1971 Liberation War. The renaming of these galleries establishes a direct connection to the country's history of independence, highlighting the legacy of heroism and sacrifice within the parliament premises.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the renamed galleries include Gallery-3 after Bir Sreshtha Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf (previously Shimul), Gallery-4 after Bir Sreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman (previously Shiuli), Gallery-5 after Bir Sreshtha Engine Room Artificer Mohammad Ruhul Amin (previously Bokul), Gallery-6 after Bir Sreshtha Lance Naik Nur Mohammad Sheikh (previously Shapla), and Gallery-7 after Bir Sreshtha Sepoy Muhammad Mustafa Kamal (previously Jamuna). VIP Gallery-1 has been named after Bir Sreshtha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir (previously Padma), while VIP Gallery-2 has been renamed after Bir Sreshtha Sepoy Hamidur Rahman (previously Meghna), with these two galleries reserved for journalists.
Chief Whip Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury stated that the move reflects the spirit of the Liberation War and honors the nation's highest gallantry award recipients. He further mentioned that the main gate of the parliament has been named after General Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani. Additionally, inscriptions expressing "deep faith and belief in Almighty Allah - La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah" have been placed across the premises, replacing previous portraits of Bangabandhu, as a reflection of their complete faith in Allah.
Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Rumon noted that the galleries were renamed following the advice of Tarique Rahman, honoring the seven Bir Sreshthas for their contributions to the Liberation War. He emphasized that this decision ensures the spirit of independence is permanently embedded in the Jatiya Sangsad, the center of the country's democracy, by linking the galleries with the history of the Liberation War.