Freedom Square was built in memory of the martyred freedom fighters on the banks of the Chitra River in Bagharpara Upazila of Jessore. Later, the liberation war monument was built in this square. After the fall of the Awami League government, the Independence Square and the Liberation War monument were demolished by BNP Supporters.
Shops Rise from the Ashes of Independence Square
Shops are being constructed on the demolished Independence Square and Liberation War Monument site on the banks of Chitra River. Once home to Independence Square and a monument honoring the brave souls who fought for Bangladesh’s liberation, this sacred ground is now a battleground for public outrage and political maneuvering.
Outrage Erupts Over Desecration of Sacred Ground
Four people occupied that place. They are building a shop there. Among them are two BNP leaders, one is a Jubo Dal leader and the other is a BNP worker. The vandalism of Independence Square and monuments and the construction of shops at that place has created anger among the brave freedom fighters of the upazila. This attack on Independence Square is an attack on the spirit of the nation,” expressed Hasan Ali, General Secretary of Bagharpara Upazila Awami League and a heroic freedom fighter. His eyes, usually steady, shimmered with suppressed grief. “We must not let our martyrs’ sacrifices be so easily trashed.”
The Chitra river has moved from east to west through the Bagharpara market of the upazila. On the south bank of the river, next to the Charavita-Narikelbaria road was the Independence Square and the War of Liberation monument. There are still ruins there. About 60 feet long shop house has been erected on the side of that road. First the foundation is made with bricks. After that, concrete poles were installed. Canopies and fences are provided with tin. Some areas around the shop and some areas in front have not yet been fenced. The broken poles of the Independence Square tiles are lying next to the shop.
Independence Square Destroyed After Hasina Resignation News
Some of the eyewitnesses said that people started cheering in Jessore’s Bagharpara after the news of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5. At one stage the procession came out. Along with students, leaders and workers of BNP and allied organizations also participated in the procession. At that time, riotous people attacked the Independence Square and the monument of the Liberation War and destroyed it.
BNP Faces Backlash Over Independence Square Destruction
Even within the BNP ranks, dissent brews. Shamchur Rahman, convenor of Bagharpara Upazila BNP, expressed his dismay, fearing that the actions of a few could tarnish the party’s image. “This is unacceptable. Those responsible must face the consequences, or our very integrity is at stake,” he warned, urging immediate demolition of the makeshift shops.
Bagharpara Demands Justice: Time to Reclaim Our History
The people of Bagharpara are not backing down. Their hearts ache as they look at the ruins of Independence Square. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about a piece of their soul, a symbol of their nation’s birth, lying in shattered pieces.
Will those responsible be held accountable? Or will this dark chapter be swept under the rug, forgotten amidst political games? The clock is ticking. Every passing day without justice is a fresh wound to the community.
Independence Square was more than a place; it was a promise. A promise to remember, to honor, and to never forget the sacrifices made for freedom. Can we keep that promise? Or will the march of progress and profit erase the footprints of our heroes?
In these troubled waters, the answer lies within us. By acknowledging the destruction and voicing the community’s grief and anger, we anchor ourselves to the essence of what Independence Square stood for. Let us not forget, let us not be silent. For the soul of Jessore, for the heroes who walked before us, the fight for dignity and remembrance must go on.