Mayor skips inauguration of Rokeya statue ‘Alokbartika’

Begum Rokeya was a pioneer of women’s awakening. In her memory, a 20-feet long sculpture named ‘Alokbartika’ has been constructed near Begum Rokeya Government College at Shalban area of Rangpur city.

The sculpture was unveiled on Wednesday (December 9) noon to mark Rokeya Day. However, Rangpur City Corporation Mayor Mostafizur Rahman and other officials of the city corporation were not present at the inauguration ceremony.

The sculpture has been constructed with the funding of Rangpur City Corporation. The 20-foot-long sculpture, made of stone and concrete, cost Tk 15 lakh. However, no official of the corporation including the city mayor agreed to inaugurate the sculpture. Eventually the sculptor Anik Reza himself unveiled the plaque.
 
Several teachers of Rokeya College, cultural activists and prominent citizens and media personalities were present at the time.
 
Begum Rokeya ‘Alokbartika’ construction work was inaugurated during the tenure of late city mayor Sarfuddin Ahmed Jhantu. But suddenly the construction work stopped. Later, in response to demand of locals, the construction work started again. However, the work continued very slowly.
 
Sculptor Anik Reza, poet Farzana Haque Bithi, Rangpur Begum Rokeya College teacher Mahmudul Anam Sumon, Dr. AI Musa, Anima Burma, Azaharul Islam Dulal, Zahidul Islam, journalist Liakat Ali Badal and others spoke in the programme.

Expressing strong criticism, the speakers said, “The sculpture has been constructed with the funding of Rangpur City Corporation. However, no official of the city corporation including the mayor came to inaugurate the sculpture. This is very sad. This incident has revealed nature of many people.”

Meanwhile, city mayor Mostafizur Rahman could not be reached on his mobile despite efforts of several times.

Panel mayor Mahmudur Rahman Titu said, “We could not attend the programme as we were engaged other works. But we allowed them to unveil it.”