On the day of birth and death of Begum Rokeya, her sculpture 'Alokvartika' has been unveiled. The sculpture was unveiled at Shalban Indra intersection in Rangpur city at 11am on Wednesday.
An inaugural function was organized on the occasion at noon. Publisher Shakil Masud spoke at the event, sculptor Anik Reza, writer Rezaul Karim Mukul, poet and professor. Shah Sultan Talukder, Mahbub Lavin, Azharul Islam Dulal, Assistant Professor of Government Begum Rokeya College and others.
Speakers at the event said that the unveiling of the sculpture will help the current generation to know more about Rokeya. And the portrait of Mahiyasi Begum Rokeya will be known to the children. Not only that, then it will be easy for many to know Rokeya, his books and sayings. All in all, with the unveiling of this sculpture, the history and heritage of Rangpur will be further enriched. Besides, this sculpture will be an inspiration to take the female students forward as it is made next to the government Begum Rokeya College established for women. The enlightened era of Rokeya consciousness will be established through the establishment of this sculpture of Rokeya.
Sculptor Anik Reza said that he started the initial work of this sculpture in his village house in Pirganj. At that time, in two stages, who or what broke it in his absence. He was severely damaged. That is why the work was stopped for a long time.
It is learned that the foundation stone of Rokeya's 'Alok Vartika' sculpture was laid on November 7, 2016 at the Shalban Indra intersection by the late Sarfuddin Ahmed Jhantu, the then mayor of the city corporation. Then the slow-moving construction stopped abruptly. There was nothing then but a few brick pillars after just building a high altar from the ground. The neglected altar was filled with dust and various festoon posters. Students of Begum Rokeya University, including locals, were disappointed to see the altar lying face down. Demands from various quarters to complete the construction of the sculpture quickly became strong. Finally, after three years of closure, construction work resumed.
According to Rangpur City Corporation sources, the 'Alokvartika' sculpture was constructed at a cost of Tk 15 lakh. Its height is 20 feet from the ground. Of these, only the rock-concrete portrait of Rokeya is about 12 feet long. And fifty square feet round about the altar. This sculpture of Rokeya, who came out of the rock with the power of education to change society, contains some books and sayings written by him, including the year of birth and death. Among which, the stone form of some books including Abrodhabasini, Matichur, Padmarag, Sultana's dream will catch the eye. Lights have also been installed around the sculpture.
