State proposes Tirot Sing Memorial in Dhaka

Shillong, September 4: The state government has proposed to to set up a memorial in Bangladesh to honour the historical legacy of freedom fighter U Tirot Sing.

The government has sought help from the Ministry of External Affairs for the Tirot Sing Memorial at the Cultural Centre, Indian High Commission, in Dhaka. The proposal was made keeping in mind the golden jubilee of Meghalaya’s statehood next year.

A cultural event was organised on the Dawki-Tamabil border on Saturday to not only celebrate 50 years of statehood but also to celebrate 75 years of the country’s independence and the camaraderie between Meghalaya and Bangladesh. The neighbouring country is also celebrating its 50 years of Liberation.

The event was part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programme.

Frederick Roy Kharkongor, commissioner and secretary in the Department of Arts and Culture, on Saturday handed over cultural artefacts and Meghalaya’s unique textiles to the Indian High Commission for display at the Cultural Centre in Dhaka. This follows a request made by the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh to the State Government earlier this year.

Kharkongor said the state government has identified Bangladesh as a partner country following a ministry request.

The assistant high commissioner, Sylhet, thanked the Meghalaya government for sharing the tribal artifacts and textiles. A representative of the Bangladesh government also spoke at the event and highlighted the age-old ties between Meghalaya and Bangladesh.

During the liberation war of Bangladesh, Meghalaya played a crucial role by giving shelter and security to refugees and helping mukti bahini members. Many prominent citizens of Shillong had also come together to facilitate decent burial to the martyrs of the war against West Pakistan.

Kharkongor spoke at length about Meghalaya’s contribution to the liberation war and the strong bilateral ties with the neighbouring country.