Feni College Boddhobhumi Sritisthombho Complex / Vector Base
Textual description provided by the architects. The project site, located in Feni, was one of the most important war zones in 1971. Even 52 years after independence, Feni residents still cry remembering the war’s losses. Students at Finney State College have boldly depicted the horrors of war in a school play called ‘Goalpost’. They conveyed a message to the public about how the Maktabhani (freedom fighters) were being murderously persecuted within the college’s crosshairs. The project architects took inspiration from the horrific history of the ‘goalpost’ and initiated the idea of a massive, abstract goalpost – symbolizing the incident of the hanging martyrs. The idea was to commemorate the martyrs so that young students could understand and appreciate the sacrifices made in 1971.
This project is a narrative symphony curated through a deliberate embrace of an “L” shaped zoning strategy – unfolding it is like flipping the pages of a captivating book featuring four distinct chapters. Each stage is a single purposeful entity, contributing a unique essence to the overall development narrative. Imagine a delicate composition where efficiency meets cohesion, and each phase is seamlessly interwoven to form a harmonious tapestry in the grand design. The film tells a captivating story in four stages: “A Walk of Memory” for memories, “Walls of Silence” for contemplation, “Recalling History” as narrator, and “Freedom Journey” for liberation. This architectural masterpiece weaves a story, turning the project into an immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
“One the sea Of blood in contrast, Bengal freedom If you bring from, we yours I will forget no”
(“We will not forget you, you who brought Bengali freedom in exchange for an ocean of blood.”)
This famous quote is written on the right side of the facade of the memorial, reflecting the concept of the project.
The goal was to curate a lively space where people could come together, feel connected to our history and bond. The massive height of the monument can be seen from a long distance, calling out to people from afar. People are drawn throughout the space to explore the wide area of the landscape. The building’s sidewalk connects to the school yard. Moreover, it is easily accessible from the path next to the pond. Walking through the pedestrian walkway, one can feel the vastness of the structure – with two 40-foot walls representing the famous football site. On the left side of the concrete facade –
“From editing Temple On the balcony how much spirit Hall Hello, writing there In tears”
(“On the steps of the Temple of Liberation, how many lives have been sacrificed, is written in tears”) Written in golden Bengali script. The 40-foot black wall at the back, saturated with the color of grief, bears red round punches, symbolizing the gunshots our martyrs had to endure.
Sixteen illuminated steps so that one stands on the archaeological arena while looking out from there – six copper cylinders suspended by ropes, which represent the journey of our immortal warriors in Feni. Each record refers to different phases of the war – no (knowledge); the awakening (the awakening); struggle (the war); the pain (intoxication); victory (victory); freedom (independence).
The massive structure flows into a diagonally arranged natural design consisting of an amphitheater, memorial plaques, a walkway and seating areas surrounded by enchanting greenery. The “winding” path indicates the difficulty of the path that our immortal brothers had to endure. Immediately following the launch, the school’s youth performed on stage while the audience gathered to honor the martyrs. Wandering through the corridors, the young people find themselves on a journey of Finnish independence by reading the commemorative plaques. They read about the history and stories of the sacrifices of our martyrs, the names of 31 Pir Muktigoda (freedom fighters), and later found themselves standing in front of a map of our nation and our flag.
People learned about the stories of a man who came to the 1972 Finney College massacre looking for his brother. He picked a skull from among the piles of bones and held it close to his heart. When asked why he took it up, he said: “They took my brother to Vinnie’s college camp, and he’s been missing ever since. My brother had a bigger head, and this skull looks bigger than the other one.” These heartbreaking tales remind young people of the sacrifices their roots made for them. The region has become The once abandoned site is a vibrant place to socialize and commemorate the history of Feni Poddubumi College (Slaughter Ground).
Feni College Boddhobhumi Sritisthombho Complex, also known as Vector Base, is a pioneering institution in the field of science and technology education in Bangladesh. The complex offers a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities in areas such as engineering, computer science, and biotechnology. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated faculty, Vector Base is committed to providing the best possible education and resources for its students to become leaders in their respective fields. Whether it’s through innovative research projects or practical hands-on experience, students at Vector Base are prepared to excel in the ever-evolving world of science and technology.