Neglected for 11 yrs, reopens Feb 21

Language Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day will be observed this year at the rebuilt second Shaheed Minar in the municipality after 11 years as it had become damaged due to lack of maintenance.

The municipality rebuilt the Shaheed Minar at the same place last year.

Earlier on February 14 in 2013, a report on its neglected state was published in The Daily Star.

The second Shaheed Minar of the municipality (then a sub-divisional headquarters) was built beside Kurigram-Bhurungamari road in Sabujpara area in 1964 while the first Shaheed Minar was built at Gahorpark ground in 1963, said Samiul Haque Nantu, president of Kurigram Zila Durniti Protirodh Committee and a resident of Sabujpara.    

“Observance of International Mother Language Day at the first and second Shaheed Minars decreased as different government and non-governmental organisations and local people started observing  national days, including February 21, March 26 and December 16, at the district's central Shaheed Minar in Ghoshpara area of the town after its construction in the 1986-1987 fiscal year,” said Nantu. 

“Locals stopped observing Shaheed Dibash [martyrs' day] at the second Shaheed Minar 11 years ago as it was badly damaged. I am glad to learn that the mayor will make it fit for observing Ekushey February [February 21] this year. A fence should be built around it,” said local Anu Mia, 38.

“We are delighted to know that the coming February 21 programme will be observed at the second Shaheed Minar,” said local resident Shahana Haque, a degree student of Majida Adarsha Degree College in the town. 

 “I have arranged the work for polishing and colouring the reconstructed Shaheed Minar ahead of the Ekushey February. I shall build a fence around it so that no one can damage it,” Mayor Abdul Jalil said.