Photo: Titu Das

The iconic raised index finger during his historic March 7, 1971  speech has become somewhat of a template for artistic depictions of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, particularly for sculptures. In a break from the norm, portrayal of another instantly recognisable portrait of the great leader awaits inauguration at Barishal's Wazirpur.

The portrait captures the time of Bangabandhu's first entry to the United Kingdom, through the port of Heathrow, after being released from Pakistan jail.

Sculptor Tejosh Halder Josh tries to depict him in the stance depicted in the portrait -- in motion, with strong footsteps.

The sculpture is expected to be unveiled at the Wazirpur Upazila Parishad Hall room auditorium on March 26 next year, marking Independence Day.

Shah-E-Alam, member of parliament of Barishal-2 and initiator of the sculpture, said, "As a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of the Ministry of Local Government, I received an allocation of Tk 25 lakh for the sculpture. Later, construction began under the supervision of Wazirpur Municipality."

The sculpture is yet to have a name. The MP said he has not thought of a name yet, and in the end, it might not have one.

Municipality Assistant Engineer Masum Billah told this correspondent that work on the sculpture started on September 10. While the sculpture's form has been completed, its base and some other work is not finished yet.

Wazirpur Upazila Chairman Abdul Majid Bachchu said, "Although the construction of the sculpture is not complete, we still went there on Victory Day and paid tributes with flower wreaths."

The place is already a local attraction. Hundreds of people come to see it everyday, although this can be a cause for concern during the pandemic.

Local entrepreneur Zakir Talukder said, "When you look at it from a distance, it seems to be alive."

Tejosh Halder Josh, the sculptor, said he has taken a different take on the sculpture's design to alter the popular depiction of Bangabandhu and add dimension to his character. "The sculpture with his fingers raised can be seen everywhere. It almost feels like his form can be expressed no other way," he said.

The original sculpture was 12 feet high without base, which is another six feet, the artist said. If done with concrete, the base will have black granite marble. He told The Daily Star he proposed the name "Bangabandhu at Heathrow Airport" to the authorities.

Other team members include sculptors Shyamal Sarkar and Subha Barai, he added.