DU LANDMARK MONUMENT_ মুক্তি চত্তর

The concept of “মুক্তি চত্তর” (Freedom Square) at Dhaka University embodies the idea of knowledge as light, a powerful symbol that reflects the institution’s historic and ongoing role in shaping the intellectual and political landscape of Bangladesh. The design is envisioned as a textual and spatial journey, where the landscape itself becomes a narrative, guiding visitors through key moments in the university’s legacy of sacrifice, growth, and enlightenment. Divided into five interconnected segments, the space begins with a tribute to the founders of the university (1921), using changes in materials and levels to signal the beginning of a reflective journey. This flows into recessed, meditative spaces (Segments 2 and 3), where the lives of teachers and students who gave their lives are honored through illuminated ground torches, inviting contemplation and remembrance. At the core lies the central segment of 1971, symbolizing the Liberation War, featuring a sculptural water body from which abstract book forms rise, visible from all directions, representing the undying spirit of education and freedom. This space is interactive and dynamic, with lighting elements that can shift colors, including the flag of Bangladesh on national days, and integrated soundscapes for a multi-sensory experience. The final segment carries the narrative forward from 1971 to 2021, representing the ongoing journey of Dhaka University. Altogether, “মুক্তি চত্তর” becomes a metaphor for Shadhinota (freedom) achieved through fearless, limitless thought, where even in absence, the light of knowledge continues to illuminate minds.