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Meherpur, Khulna

Mujibnagar Memorial Complex

The mango grove where the Provisional Government of Bangladesh was sworn in on 17 April 1971, now a memorial complex with a monument, sculptures and a map of the war.

Local food to try

  • Sabitri and rosokadamba

    Mujibnagar Memorial Complex

    Meherpur’s sweets, best bought in Meherpur town.

  • Mangoes

    Mujibnagar Memorial Complex

    In May and June, from the groves around Mujibnagar.

Where to eat

Where to stay

  • Meherpur town

    Meherpur Sadar

    Simple hotels, a short ride from Mujibnagar.

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  • Government accommodation at Mujibnagar

    Mujibnagar

    Available near the complex at times; check availability and booking locally.

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Culture

Mujibnagar Day, 17 April, is observed here every year with a state ceremony, a guard of honour, wreaths at the memorial and cultural programmes, drawing people from across the country.

History

After the Pakistani army’s crackdown of 25 March 1971 and the declaration of independence, the elected leaders of Bangladesh formed a government in exile. On 17 April 1971, in the mango grove (amrakanan) of Baidyanathtala village, that government was sworn in on Bangladeshi soil before the press, with the Proclamation of Independence read out. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, then held in Pakistan, was named President; Syed Nazrul Islam became Acting President and Tajuddin Ahmad Prime Minister.

Baidyanathtala was renamed Mujibnagar, and the Mujibnagar Government went on to lead the Liberation War until victory on 16 December 1971.

The memorial complex stands in and around the old grove. Its main monument, the Mujibnagar Smriti Soudha, is joined by sculptures recreating the oath-taking and scenes from the war, and a large relief map of Bangladesh showing the war-time sectors. Some of the mango trees that witnessed the oath still stand.

Tour plans

Mujibnagar and Amjhupi in a day

One day

  1. Step 1: Morning at Mujibnagar

    Ride out from Meherpur early and walk round the memorial, the sculptures and the old mango grove.

  2. Step 2: The war map

    Spend time at the large map of Bangladesh showing the sectors of 1971.

  3. Step 3: Lunch

    Eat at Mujibnagar or back in Meherpur town.

  4. Step 4: Amjhupi Neelkuthi

    In the afternoon, visit the old indigo planters’ house at Amjhupi, on the Chuadanga road.

  5. Step 5: Sweets in town

    End with sabitri or rosokadamba from a Meherpur sweet shop.

Plan your visit

Best time to visit

November to March; 17 April for Mujibnagar Day, though crowds are large

How to get there

Mujibnagar is west of Meherpur town near the border, roughly 30–45 minutes by bus or CNG. Buses and CNGs also come from Chuadanga, and some long-distance buses run direct; check locally.

Travel tips

  • Go in the morning to see the complex before the midday heat and crowds.
  • Allow a couple of hours to walk round the monument, sculptures and the map.
  • The complex is close to the Indian border: carry ID and do not wander towards the border.
  • On 17 April there is a state ceremony and access may be restricted at times; check locally.
  • Treat the memorial with respect — no climbing on monuments or sculptures.

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