National Poet’s Grave

Kazi Nazrul Islam (Bengali: Kazi Nozrul Islam) (25 May 1899 – 29 August 1976) was a Bengali poet, musician and revolutionary who pioneered poetic works espousing intense spiritual rebellion against fascism and oppression. His poetry and nationalist activism earned him the popular title of Bidrohi Kobi (Rebel Poet). Accomplishing a large body of acclaimed works through his life, Nazrul is officially recognised as the national poet of Bangladesh.

He Died on 29th August 1976 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University Central Mosque.

National Martyrs’ Memorial

National Martyrs’ Memorial (Jatiyo Smriti Soudho)at Savar, about 35 km north-west of Dhaka built in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. The Monument tower, designed by Architect Syed Mainul Hussain, is composed of seven isosceles triangular planes, each varying in size in its height and base. The planes are folded at the middle and placed one after another. The highest point of the structure reaches 150 feet. Several mass-graves and a pool of water body are placed in front of the monument.
Monument complex is spread over an area of 34 hectares (84 acres) wrapped around by a green belt of 10 hectares (24.7 acre). The work of the monument was taken up in phases starting from 1972 and was finally completed in 1982.

The site is a popular tourist spot and large number of locals and foreigners visit every day.

Central Shaheed Minar (Monument for Language Martyrs)

The Shaheed Minar is a national monument in Dhaka, Bangladesh, established to commemorate those killed during the Language Movement demonstrations of 1952.

On February 21, 1952, dozens of students and political activists were killed when the Pakistani police force opened fire on Bengali protesters who were demanding equal status to their native tongue, Bangla. The massacre occurred near Dhaka Medical College and Ramna Park in Dhaka. A makeshift monument was erected on February 23 by students of University of Dhaka and other educational institutions, but soon demolished on February 26 by the Pakistani police force.

The Language Movement gained momentum and after a long struggle, Bangla was given equal status as Urdu. To commemorate the dead, the Shaheed Minar was designed and built by Hamidur Rahman, a Bangladeshi sculptor. The monument stood until the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, when it was demolished. After Bangladesh gained independence, it was rebuilt.

Today, the Shaheed Minar is the centre of cultural activities in Dhaka. Every year, the Language Movement is remembered at the monument.