Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has inaugurated two newly built commemorative arches in the capital, dedicated to the anti-fascist July Movement that toppled the previous authoritarian regime and paved the way for the interim government.
DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz formally opened the structures—”Mukti Toran” in Agargaon and “Swadhinata Toran” on Pragati Sarani—in separate ceremonies on Tuesday morning.
The Mukti Toran has been constructed on Justice Syed Mahbub Morshed Road in Agargaon, while the Swadhinata Toran stands in front of the Badda Buddhist Temple.
Speaking after inaugurating Mukti Toran, Administrator Ejaz said the structures were designed both as historical markers and civic landmarks.
“These torans will remind us of the anti-fascist struggle. People from all walks of life took part in the July Movement,” he said. “These structures have been built to preserve that memory and to enrich the aesthetics of the city. A city needs lasting symbols of its past struggles, and they should also enhance its beauty.”
He warned that oppression does not only appear in political form, adding that neglect of public spaces also harms society.
“Just as we uprooted the oppressors from this country, we must remove injustice and chaos from our cities. Keeping the city dirty, plastering walls with banners and posters, or destroying greenery is also a form of oppression. It is our responsibility to protect the city from these, and that is what we are doing.”
While inaugurating the Swadhinata Toran on Pragati Sarani, the DNCC chief highlighted the participation of students and teachers from nearby private universities during the July Movement.
“The Freedom Arch has been built here to commemorate and recognise their struggle,” he said.
DNCC Chief Engineer Brig Gen Md Moin Uddin, Regional Executive Officer (Region-3) Md Julkar Nayan, Regional Executive Officer (Region-5) Md Shadequr Rahman, along with officials and staff from different levels of DNCC, were present at the events.
