Monument to Memory The Boddhobhumi Sritisthombho Complex in Feni is not just built on land, but on the profound memory of those who laid down their lives for Bangladesh’s freedom; a monumental tribute to the sacrifices made during the 1971 Liberation War. The project serves as both a memorial and an educational experience for future generations, offering them a vivid glimpse into the history of their nation.
This architectural masterpiece was created with the goal of honoring the martyrs of Feni, whose stories of sacrifice and courage are woven into the fabric of the country’s independence.
The design of the complex is a powerful narrative, symbolizing the traumatic yet heroic events of 1971 through abstract structures and immersive spaces that tell the story of Bangladesh’s journey toward freedom.
The project was designed by Vector Plinth, an architectural firm known for its sensitive and thoughtful approach to historical storytelling through design. Lead architects Muhammad Jabed Iqbal Rupam and Mohammad Faisal Sabri, along with their dedicated design team, including Md Jahirul Islam, Sabrina Lipy, and Jahid Hossain, were at the helm of this project. They sought inspiration from a particular incident in the history of Feni
The tragic events depicted in the school play “Goalpost,” which portrayed the brutalities faced by the freedom fighters, the Mukti Bahini, at the hands of the occupying forces. This play, performed by the students of Feni Government College, captured the terror and the courage of the fighters, symbolized by the infamous goalpost where the martyrs were executed. To translate this painful memory into architecture,
the team conceptualized an abstract, monumental goalpost as the centerpiece of the complex. This structure serves as both a reminder of the sacrifices made and a call to the young generation to remember and reflect upon the struggles of their forefathers.Monument to Memory
The project’s architectural design is divided into four distinct stages, each representing a chapter of the war and the journey toward independence: “A Walk to Remember,” “Walls of Silence,” “Recalling the History,” and “Journey of Freedom.”
These stages are carefully orchestrated to lead visitors through a deeply immersive experience that highlights the emotional and historical weight of the place. The monumental goalpost and the surrounding features of the site are symbolic of the martyrs’ journey and the broader struggle for freedom. At the heart of the complex is a towering structure with two 40-foot-high black walls, representing the goalposts that became a site of horror in 1971.
The walls are marked with powerful inscriptions, including a famous quote that reads, “We will not forget you, who brought the freedom of Bangla, in exchange of an ocean of blood.”
The back wall features a blood-red motif, symbolizing the gunshots the martyrs endured. The complex also includes a series of copper cylinders suspended by cords, representing the six key stages of the Liberation War—Cognition, Awakening, Warfare, Agony, Victory, and Independence. Visitors journey through these stages, moving from one symbolic phase to the next, before reaching the monumental plaza.
The surrounding landscape has been thoughtfully designed to complement the memorial’s solemnity while providing a space for reflection and connection. A zigzag pathway winds through the landscape, symbolizing the difficult and treacherous paths the freedom fighters had to endure. As visitors walk through the memorial, they are greeted by an amphitheater where performances are held, and memorial plaques that detail the stories of the martyrs.
Among these plaques are the names of 31 Bir Muktijoddha, the brave freedom fighters who gave their lives for the country’s independence. The landscape itself is full of greenery and calming elements, providing a peaceful space for contemplation and remembrance. The completion of the Feni College Boddhobhumi Sritisthombho Complex in 2023 has transformed what was once an abandoned, neglected area into a vibrant space for public engagement.Monument to Memory
The design, in its entirety, is a tribute to the importance of remembering history while fostering a sense of community and shared identity.
It’s a space where the younger generation can learn about the sacrifices made by their ancestors and feel a deep connection to their country’s independence. Vector Plinth, led by architects Muhammad Jabed Iqbal Rupam and Mohammad Faisal Sabri, has created a masterful blend of architecture and narrative that invites visitors to reflect on the past while considering the future. The project also involved several engineers and collaborators, including structural and plumbing engineer Pratim Bhuiyan, project coordinator Rana Nag, and site supervisor Abdullah Al Masud Tareq. Landscape and lighting design were also provided by Vector Plinth, with documentation and illustration handled by Mouna Noor Al-Fatimy.
. The project came to life through a range of high-quality materials and technologies, with contributions from companies like Autodesk, Trimble Navigation, Lumion, and others, ensuring the complex’s aesthetic and functional integrity.
The complex has already become a hub of activity for both students and the general public, offering a space where people gather, learn, and remember. Performances, educational programs, and community events are regularly held at the site, allowing the memory of the martyrs to be kept alive for future generations. The memorial also serves as a powerful reminder of the personal stories of loss and courage that have shaped the identity of the people of Feni and, by extension, Bangladesh itself. One particularly moving story shared at the site is of a man who came to Feni College’s slaughter-ground in 1972 searching for his brother. Amidst the piles of bones, he found a skull and recognized it as his brother’s, a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.
The Feni College Boddhobhumi Sritisthombho Complex stands as a remarkable fusion of architecture, history, and memory.
Through careful design and thoughtful narrative, it offers a powerful and immersive experience that honors the past while creating a space for the future. The architects and design team have succeeded in transforming an area of deep historical significance into a living testament to the sacrifices that helped shape the Bangladesh we know today. It’s a place where the spirit of freedom and the memory of those who fought for it are preserved for generations to come.
