No decision to remove mural at Suhrawardy Udyan: Minister

Asked whether a fountain would be built in place of the mural depicting the surrender of Pakistani forces, Ahmed Azam Khan said reports to that effect were incorrect.

“A few days ago, an online newspaper published a report on this matter that was highly inaccurate. We want to make it clear that we are discussing how to complete the Independence Monument at Suhrawardy Udyan. We have had no discussion or made any decision about replacing the depiction of the surrender of Pakistani soldiers with a fountain.''

The minister said discussions had taken place during the interim government about possible developments at the site, but the current government was now working on how to realise the original spirit of the Independence Monument.

He rejected reports that a fountain was being planned instead of the surrender mural.

“What was published in the newspaper-- that a fountain would be built instead of the surrender scene--is completely incorrect,” he said, adding that the ministry had also clarified its position through its official Facebook page.

Asked whether the existing design of the site would remain unchanged, the minister said no decision had yet been made.

“We have not worked on that yet. We are actively considering the matter because the project has been awaiting completion for a long time. The ministry is working on it.''

The minister added that it was therefore inaccurate to say that the existing design had either been retained or changed.