Narsingdi unveils expanded memorial honoring Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman

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A newly reconstructed mural honoring Birshreshtha Motiur Rahman, titled “Banglar Eagle,” was officially unveiled on Tuesday at the entrance of Motiurnagar along the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Narsingdi’s Raipura. The ceremony, held at 11 a.m., was led by local Member of Parliament Ashraf Uddin (Bokul), with Narsingdi Deputy Commissioner Israt Jahan Keya, Police Superintendent Abdullah Al Farooq, and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Masud Rana in attendance. The structure was designed and constructed by sculptor Oli Mahmud.

The original installation, established in 2016 under the initiative of the district administration, was removed in January of this year to facilitate the Dhaka-Sylhet corridor road expansion project. The dismantling process, which involved the use of an excavator, drew significant public criticism after footage surfaced on social media, leading to widespread confusion regarding the fate of the monument. In response, local authorities committed to rebuilding the tribute with a larger, more modern aesthetic that preserves the original vision while incorporating enhanced design elements.

The redesigned “Banglar Eagle” monument features a portrait of the late flight lieutenant on one side, complemented by a biographical summary on the other. A central triangular pillar utilizes terracotta tiles to depict scenes from the Liberation War. Crowned by a life-sized model of the T-33 training aircraft that Motiur Rahman famously attempted to hijack during the war, the monument serves as both a memorial and a visual landmark.

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Addressing the project’s history, UNO Md. Masud Rana clarified that the initial removal was a logistical necessity for road widening rather than a slight against the national hero. The upgraded structure has been significantly expanded, growing from its original 16-foot footprint to a 30-foot by 30-foot installation. By incorporating the aircraft replica and adopting a more prominent design, the administration aims to ensure the memorial is easily visible and accessible to travelers navigating the highway.