Shabash Bangladesh in RU: Symbol of youths\\\' gallantry

RAJSHAHI, Dec 15 (BSS): The Liberation War monument Shabash Bangladesh located at Rajshahi University (RU) symbolises the valour and vigour of the young freedom fighters who had sacrificed their lives to liberate their country in 1971.
RU, second largest public university of the country, had a vital and glorious role in the liberation war. During the war, university lost a number of its teachers, students and officials.
To pay tribute and recall contribution of these martyrs in the liberation war, the university authorities set up several monuments and a museum.
Architectural beauty of Shabash Bangladesh attracts visitors from home and abroad. Anyone who steps in the campus for the first time is impressed by the presence of the monument on the campus. The captivating beauty of the sculpture catches the eyes of every student when they enter the campus.
The foundation of this magnificent sculpture was laid in 1990 by the then RU Vice-Chancellor Prof M Amanullah on March 26. In 1992, it was inaugurated by Shaheed Janani Jahanara Imam on February 10.
The late sculptor, Nitun Kundu was the designer of the unique sculpture. He was one of the famous artists and sculptors of Bangladesh. He brought the new trends in conceptual and realistic art in this country.
The idea of Shabash Bangladesh has come from the poem of Sukanta Bhattacharya. The last four lines of this poem are scrawled on the pedestal of this sculpture. The lines have been imprinted under the body construction.
The artist used red and white-sand stones for the protection of the monument and to enhance its beauty. A flag is flying behind it. This flag symbolises the nation's respect to the martyrs.
Shabash Bangladesh depicts two people in it. Both are carrying rifles in their hands. One keeps the gun in one hand and raises his other hand to protest the genocide. The two men with motion symbolise the thirst for liberty.
The power of youth and their protest against the unjust were represented by this sculpture. It gives eternal inspiration to the new generation prodding not to give up protest in fighting against any injustice.
Freedom fighters played the pioneering role to achieve our independence. So it is the duty of the people of Bangladesh to remember them.
In 1972 the authority established Shahid Smriti Sangrashala which is the first museum of the country on the liberation war.
Rare mementos used in war by the freedom fighters including arms, clothes and documents are on display in the Shahid Smriti Sangrashala. Besides preserved here are about thousands of skeleton of martyred freedom fighters who lost their lives in the greater Rajshahi district during the liberation war.
After liberation war, in 1972 an eye-catching Shahid Minar was built beside the Shahid Smriti Sangrashala. The first Shahid Minar was demolished by the Pakistani army on April 14, 1971 in front of Shahidullah Arts building.