During and after 5 August last year, many of these complexes were vandalised across districts and upazilas, though the exact number remains unknown.

In September last year, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs sent letters to all deputy commissioners (DCs) and upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) seeking information on damaged freedom fighters’ complexes. The letter stated that complexes with higher income could use 40 per cent of their funds for building maintenance.

Following this directive, several upazilas, including Sitakunda in Chattogram, restored their complexes. Others unable to fund restoration themselves were asked to report the extent of damage and required funds to the ministry.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs says it will seek funds from the Ministry of Finance once data of all the damages have been received.

Mofidul Haque, trustee of the Liberation War Museum, told Prothom Alo that there is no conflict between the Liberation War and the July mass uprising. Yet, a group attacked Liberation War memorials on and after 5 August. Vandalising Liberation War symbols means trampling on history.

He added that the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs should have treated the issue with greater seriousness. There is still time. The Mujibnagar Memorial Complex and the Independence Museum at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka should be restored immediately considering them as symbols, followed by rapid restoration of other Liberation War landmarks across the country.

[This report was prepared with contributions from correspondents in the respective areas.]