Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho or National Martyrs' Memorial is the national monument of Bangladesh is the symbol in the memory of the valour and the sacrifice of all those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, which brought independence and separated Bangladesh from Pakistan. The monument is located in Savar, about 35 km north-west of the capital, Dhaka. It was designed by Syed Mainul Hossain.
Plans for the monument were initiated in 1976. Following the site selection, road and land development, a nation-wide design competition was held in June, 1978. Following evaluation of the 57 submissions, Syed Mainul Hossain's design was chosen. The main structure and the artificial lake and other facilities were completed in 1982. It was Inaugurated at 16 December, 1982.
Jatiyo Smriti Soudho is the national martyr monument of Bangladesh. It is the symbol of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Bangladesh. Here “Jatiyo” means “National”, “Smriti” means “Memorial” and “Soudho” means “Monument”. This is one of the beautiful monuments of Bangladesh and it is situated at Savar, near the capital (Dhaka) of Bangladesh. This is one of the major tourist attractions of Bangladesh and it reminds us our great heroes, who gave up their valuable lives for the
independence of Bangladesh. Several mass-graves and a pool of water are placed in front of this beautiful monument.
This beautiful complex is spread over an area of 34 hectares (84 acres) and it is wrapped around by a green belt of 10 hectares (24.7 acre). This beautiful environment creates this monument very attractive. The monument tower is made by concrete and other structures and pavements are made by red bricks. This red bricks reminds us about the blood of the 3 million people, who sacrificed their blood for the liberation of Bangladesh. This monument is composed with 7 isosceles triangular pyramid shaped structures but the middle one being the tallest. The highest point of the monument is 150 feet. 7 isosceles triangular pyramids remind us our seven Bir Sreshthos. This unique arrangement of the planes has created a structure that seems to change its configuration when viewed from different angles. Several mass graves and a beautiful reflection water body are placed in front of this monument. If anybody enters into the complex through the main gate, he or she can see the monument axially. But to reach it one has to walk through different ups and downs of pavements and cross an artificial lake by a bridge-all these represent the struggle for independence.
The Public Works Department of the Government of Bangladesh supervised the construction of the project. But this project was constructed in three times. The first project was involved in acquiring land and constructing road for the project. It was in 1972. The cost of this project was 26 lacs. The second project was in 1974-1982. The cost of this project was 3.77 crores. This project was involved in to build the mass graves, pavements, parking spaces, helipad etc. And the third project was in August 1982. The cost of this project was 848.65 lacs. This project was involved in to build the main structure, apart from the artificial lake, green belt, cafeteria, housing etc.
Now, this monument shows the Bangladesh’s history and this is one of the major tourist spot of Bangladesh. Everyday lots of people visit here to see this extra-ordinary monument. Every year on 16 December, lots of people visit here.
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