Ink Thrown on Martyr Mugdha’s Mural, Sparks Outrage

A mural built in memory of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha, a martyr of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has been vandalised with ink in Brahmanbaria. The incident took place between Monday night and early Tuesday morning in the Chinair area of Sadar Upazila, in front of Chinair Degree College. The perpetrators have not yet been identified, and the incident has triggered widespread condemnation and criticism in the locality.

Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha was shot dead in Uttara, Dhaka, on 18 July 2024. Following 5 August, portraits, memorials and murals were erected in various parts of the country to honour his memory. One such mural was installed in front of Chinair Degree College in Brahmanbaria Sadar. Local sources said that after 5 August, when an image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the site was damaged, Mugdha’s image was placed there, which later became a memorial mural.

A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that tensions had been brewing between two groups over a freshers’ reception programme at Chinair Degree College on Sunday. He suspected that, stemming from that dispute, someone may have thrown ink on the mural in an attempt to frame others or create controversy.

Assistant Professor Ali Azam of Chinair Degree College echoed the concern, stating that an organised group might be behind the act. He added that such elements are trying to destabilise the otherwise peaceful Chinair area.

Azizur Rahman, district convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), strongly condemned the incident, calling it an insult to the memory of those who “brought independence to the country for a second time.” District Jubo Dal Joint General Secretary Ujjal Ahmed described the incident as deeply unfortunate and demanded justice.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sadar Police Station, Mohammad Azharul Islam, said police were sent to the scene after receiving the report. He added that an investigation is underway and necessary legal action will be taken.

GLIVE/TSN