1952
The first memorial
Students of Dhaka Medical College built a temporary monument on 23 February to honour the martyrs. Police demolished it within days, yet the idea of remembrance could not be erased.
National memorial to the language martyrs of 1952
Central
Shaheed Minar
More than a structure: the visible symbol of the dignity of the Bengali language, of sacrifice and of cultural identity. It stands at the heart of the Dhaka Medical College and University of Dhaka area.
Google Maps: 4.6/5 · 20,937 · 26 October 2026Confirm access conditionsDhaka 1000
Salim Khandoker / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Type
Historical landmark
Location
University of Dhaka area
Plus code
P9GW+VJ, Dhaka
Suggested time
30–60 minutes
Why this place matters
A memorial to those who gave their lives for their language
On 21 and 22 February 1952, students and activists demanding official status for Bengali were shot by police near Dhaka Medical College. The Shaheed Minar was born out of that bloodshed.
Bangladesh Tourism Board →1957–1963
Designed by Hamidur Rahman and Novera Ahmed
Work on the permanent monument began with a design by artist-architect Hamidur Rahman, with sculptor Novera Ahmed collaborating. Martial law interrupted it; a modified design was completed in 1963.
1971–1983
Destruction, rebuilding and expansion
The monument was destroyed at the start of the Liberation War, rebuilt after independence and expanded to its present scale in 1983. It is now the central symbol of the Language Movement.
Worldwide legacy
21 February — International Mother Language Day
At Bangladesh’s initiative, the UNESCO General Conference approved International Mother Language Day in 1999; 21 February has been observed worldwide since 2000.
See UNESCO’s page
The language of the architecture
White columns, a red circle, the silence of mourning
In a modernist vocabulary, the tall white frames are read as a family — a mother at the centre, her children beside her. The red sun disc behind them links blood, awakening and Bengali cultural symbolism.
Style
Modernist memorial architecture
Original design
Hamidur Rahman · Novera Ahmed
Planning your visit
Visit with respect and in silence
Tickets / cost
Confirm current entry conditions and any charges before travelling. Flowers and transport may involve separate personal expenses.
Best time / how long
Soft morning or late-afternoon light is most comfortable. Allow 30–60 minutes for a normal visit, and much longer on 21 February because of crowds and queues.
Parking
Do not plan around dedicated visitor parking at the monument. Using authorised parking or a drop-off in the university and medical college area and walking is more realistic.
Getting here in detail
Metro
Get off at Dhaka University station on MRT Line 6. From there walk through the university area or take a short rickshaw ride.
Rickshaw / CNG
From Shahbagh, TSC, Doel Chattar or the University of Dhaka area, simply saying “Central Shaheed Minar” is usually enough for drivers.
21 February
Roads and entry points may be regulated on the day. Follow the entry and exit routes and security instructions set by the police and authorities.
Note: opening arrangements and transport access can change because of special programmes, security instructions or maintenance. Check current conditions before you travel.
A simple walking order
Entrance → courtyard → central column → quiet exit
First read the whole composition from the broad front steps. Then walk slowly towards the central column and the red disc to see the structure up close. When flowers or commemorations are taking place, keep the main axis clear and do not stand against the flow of visitors.
- 1 · Front steps — read the whole composition
- 2 · Central axis — white columns and the red disc
- 3 · Side angle — depth and shadow of the columns
- 4 · Exit — walk towards TSC / Curzon Hall
Photo spot 01
Front central axis
Frame from the bottom of the steps, keeping the symmetry of the vertical columns and the red disc behind them on one axis — this is where the symbolic power of the monument reads best.
Photo spot 02
Slight side angle
Standing 30–45 degrees to the left or right reveals the layering, spacing and depth of the frames. Late-afternoon raking light makes the shadows more dramatic.
Photography etiquette
This is a place of remembrance, not an entertainment venue. Avoid dramatic poses in front of flower tributes, mourning ceremonies or private acts of respect, and ask consent before photographing people close up.
Nearby attractions
Dhaka’s knowledge and history within one walk
Curzon Hall
The historic red-brick building of the University of Dhaka; it pairs beautifully with the Shaheed Minar on a cultural walk.
Doel Chattar
The sculpture of Bangladesh’s national bird and a well-known crossing in the university area.
Suhrawardy Udyan
Important for historic mass gatherings, memories of the Liberation War and open green space.
Bangladesh National Museum
In Shahbagh, it gives deeper context on Bangladesh’s history, art, archaeology and cultural heritage.
Food nearby
From Old Dhaka flavours to campus tea
Consider looking for a meal stop around the medical college, university area or Shahbagh if it fits your route. This guide has not verified current venues, menus or opening hours. Check the actual address, menu, price, dietary needs and access before choosing.
Meal ideas to check
Tea · singara · paratha · rice
Other meal ideas
Biryani · kebab · Bengali meals
A short food plan
You could include a meal break when planning Shaheed Minar, Curzon Hall / Doel Chattar or Shahbagh. Check the route, access and an open venue separately; you do not need to combine every stop.
Where to stay
Which area should you base yourself in?
Shahbagh
An area to compare if your plans include the university and museum. Check the exact accommodation address, current transport and walking conditions.
Motijheel / Paltan
Compare this area with your other city destinations, checking exact accommodation addresses and current transport.
Dhanmondi
Another area to compare when searching for accommodation. Verify availability, transport cost and traffic; do not assume a short journey.
Hotel names, prices and room availability change quickly — check recent ratings, cancellation policies and the actual commute to the university area before booking.
Map and address
Near Dhaka Medical College
Address
Near Dhaka Medical College Gate, Secretariat Road, Secretariate Rd, Dhaka 1000
Coordinates
23.727238, 90.396625
Plus code
P9GW+VJ, Dhaka
Frequently asked questions
Good to know before you go
Is there an entry fee for the Central Shaheed Minar?＋
A University of Dhaka report labelled 2024 describes public access, but does not confirm current fees or entry conditions. Check current authority instructions before travelling.
Is the Central Shaheed Minar open 24 hours?＋
The main Google Maps listing checked on 26 October 2026 supplied no hours. A nearby separate shrine listing is not evidence of this monument being open 24 hours. Confirm current visiting arrangements.
How do I get there by metro?＋
Dhaka University station on MRT Line 6 is one of the most convenient options. From there you can walk through the university area or take a short rickshaw ride to the Shaheed Minar.
How much time should I allow?＋
About 20–30 minutes is enough to see the monument and pay respects. If you want to take in the history, the architecture and the surrounding university area slowly, allow 45–60 minutes.
What should I know about visiting on 21 February?＋
Ekushey February brings huge crowds, flower tributes and special security arrangements. Follow the designated entry and exit routes and official instructions.
When is the best time for photographs?＋
In soft morning or afternoon light the white columns, the red disc and the lines of the front steps read most clearly. Respect other visitors’ privacy while tributes are being paid.
What does the Central Shaheed Minar symbolise?＋
It is the national symbol of those martyred in the 1952 Language Movement. The demand for the dignity of the mother tongue and cultural identity shaped Bangladesh’s national consciousness.
Which metro station is closest?＋
Dhaka University station on MRT Line 6 is the most practical for most visitors; from the station it is a short walk through the university area to the monument.
In-depth guides
Go deeper
History and meaning
The 1952 Language Movement, the timeline of the monument and International Mother Language Day.
Read more →How to get here
Metro, rickshaw, opening hours, entry fee, how long to stay and etiquette.
Read more →What to see nearby
Curzon Hall, Doel Chattar, Suhrawardy Udyan, the National Museum, food and where to stay.
Read more →
Trusted sources