Memory and Community

By Nawshaba Khuda

“I remember every single word ….

   Every book I’ve ever read…

   Will all the lessons that I’ve learned, help me to face what lies ahead….”

     Thought often about what inspired my father to create such a grand expression of pain… In pain we seek refuge, shelter and so there it was, a monument larger then life.

     Many have written about the Shahid Minar but only few know the relationship between the Minar and its creator, Hamidur Rahman.  In order to understand the present it’s always insightful to touch on the past, especially for the younger generation who follow the rituals without questioning its meanings.

     The political movement in former East Bengal (East Pakistan in 1956 and Bangladesh in 1971) was to bring forth the recognition of the Bengali language as an official language, specifically to allow its usage in government affairs such as education, media and currency.  In 1948 the Dominion of Pakistan appointed that Urdu would be the official language.  This announcement sparked the beginning of the protests among the Bengali speaking majority of East Bengal.

     The students of the University of Dhaka and other political activists organized a protest on February 21, 1952.  The protest reached its turning point when police killed student protesters. This incident caused widespread civil unrest.

     Hamidur Rahman was not a political man.  Being an artist he was a gentle soul, open-minded, passionate, emotional and in many ways very sensitive.  He was inspired by his love for his country, its earth, wind and its people.  In the weight of the political climate he searched for an expression to give his country recognition.  Beyond the blood, sweat and tears he wanted a place where the Bangladeshi people can give condolences, cry or just sit to feel at peace.

     He began his sketches with thoughts of the four students who died in the protest among many others.  Allow me to mention their names to give proper respect: Salam,Barkat, Rafiq and Jabbar.  My father tried to capture the helplessness of the students and the mother who tries to protect her children from harm.  In 1963 the Shahid Minar was inaugurated by Hasina Begum, mother of Barkat.

“Ekusher Gaan”

“Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano

  Ekusker February

  Ami Ki Bhulite Pari…”

“ My Brother’s Blood Spattered

  21st February

  Can I Forget the twenty-first of February…”

     This song was originally written as a poem by Abdul Gaffer Choudhury.   It was later put to music  by Altaf Mahmud.  Every year on the date of February 21st people from all parts of Bangladesh head to the Shahid Minar in a barefoot march paying respect to those who were killed by singing this song.  They wear black and white colors and carry wreaths and flowers.

     Hamidur Rahman was not only an architect, he sang, wrote poetry and his first love was oil painting.  His education was based on painting and architecture.  He had painted a mural of the history of the Language Movement beneath the Shahid Minar where he had designed a library.

      The Minar is constructed with pure marble stone, with stairs and railings painted white.  The fences on both sides displaying lines of poetry in iron letters by famous poets.  Two statues are placed at the entrance of the monument representing those who sacrificed their lives.

     Hamidur Rahman’s legacy lives on, not only through his family but in the hearts and minds of the Bangladeshi people.   The monument is of such importance to the people of Bangladesh that permanent replica has been build in other countries where large Bangladeshi communities have settled.  A replica of the Shahid Minar exist in Lisbon (Portugal), Tokyo and two in London.

     My father’s graveyard is among the four students who were shot during the protest. They were the beginning of a lifetime of remembrance…

              “As for myself I’ve kept your smile…

                Till you’re older you’ll not know, 

                    what brave young smiles can mean….”

                                                                Nawshaba Khuda

 “Art Must be of Everlasting Value “

                     Hamidur Rahman

“ In silence I watch you..

               In silence I cry

               For a lifetime without you, I rather pass by…

               In silence I watch you…

               In silence I pray

               As seasons keep sweeping my lifetime away.”

The writer, Nawshaba Khuda, is the daughter of renowned artist and sculptor Hamidur Rahman