PM launches Independence Square in Pabna

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated Freedom Fighter Rafikul Islam Bokul Independence Square in Pabna this morning.

The 134-year-old historic Pabna Town Hall was reconstructed and named "Independence Square" for preserving the memory of the valiant freedom fighters who fought in Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.

The premier inaugurated the Independence Square through a video conference from Gono Bhaban. In her inaugural speech, she highlighted the glorious memories of Pabna Town Hall.

The town hall, located in the middle of the district headquarter, was established in 1886 after establishing the Pabna municipality in 1876, municipality sources said.

The damaged town hall was reconstructed as Independence Square, through funding from the eminent citizens of Pabna.

Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and many enlightened personalities set foot at Pabna Town Hall.

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman visited the place several times as well.

Bangabandhu held rallies in the historic town hall premises while organising the Liberation War movement, and the flag of independent Bangladesh was hoisted there on March 23 in 1971, said Kamrul Hasan Mintu, mayor of Pabna municipality.

The newly built Independence Square is 46 feet long and 40 feet wide, and has two green rooms. It has a gallery that is 118 feet long and 117 feet wide.

Freedom fighter Anjan Chowdhury Pintu, convener of Independence Square Implementation Committee, presented a key note paper highlighting glorious memories of historic Pabna town hall.

Lawmakers from different constituencies, elected representatives, the Pabna deputy commissioner, and police superintendent, among the eminent citizens of Pabna, joined the virtual inauguration programme.