The Naogaon district unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised a tree plantation programme at the newly constructed Dhamkuri Martyrs' Memorial in Naogaon Sadar Upazila on 12 February.
Volunteers planted various species of floral and forest saplings during the event on Tuesday afternoon to create a green and aesthetic environment at the site.
The district committee decided to carry out the plantation in phases following the completion of the memorial. In this initial stage, members planted saplings of Krishnachura, Jarul, Sonalu, Palash, Rongon, and Cherry. The organisation plans to plant more diverse species in the future.
To ensure the survival of the plants, Advocate Sardar Salauddin Mintu, President of the Bashundhara Shuvosangho Naogaon district committee, installed plastic netting along the open sections of the memorial's boundary for protection.
Bir Muktijoddha SM Sirajul Islam, Convener of the Naogaon District Unit Command, attended the event as the chief guest. Prof Mohammad Waliul Islam and Zahid Rabbani Rashid, Advisor to the district committee, were present as special guests.
Other attendees included Vice-Presidents Azad Hossain Murad and Rabeya Khatun Beli, General Secretary Morshed Alam, and members Sushma Sathi, Chandramoyee Swapna, Samina Sultana, Mahfuza Khatun, and Majedur Rahman Liton.
Organisers stated that such initiatives are vital to keep the memory of the martyrs alive and to educate future generations about the history of the Liberation War. They hope the plantation will transform the memorial into a living symbol of peace.
The site holds deep historical significance. On Thursday, 22 April 1971, at 3:00 pm, Pakistani occupation forces brutally killed eight people in Dhamkuri village.
The victims included Police Inspector Shamsuddin Sardar, his two brothers, two nephews, a friend, and two neighbours.
Advocate Sardar Salauddin Mintu, the current President of the district committee, is the son of the martyred inspector. Mintu survived the massacre as a child despite sustaining gunshot wounds.
By planting trees at the memorial, the committee expressed its commitment to honouring the martyrs' sacrifice and announced plans for continuous environmental activities in the area.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
