July memorial beside Ali Amjad Clock sparks row in Sylhet

A plan to erect a memorial for the July Uprising martyrs beside Sylhet’s historic Ali Amjad Clock tower has stirred sharp criticism, with residents and heritage activists warning it undermines one of the city’s oldest landmarks.

The Sylhet City Corporation is implementing the project under a government initiative to build “street memory stamps” at sites where protesters were killed.

Four monuments are being constructed in the city, each costing Tk 108,375. Two are being set up near the clock tower to commemorate martyrs Pabel Ahmed Kamrul and Pankaj Kumar Kar, who were killed nearby.

City officials said a committee of the district administrator, investigators, police, and public works representatives selected the sites, arguing they could not build in the middle of roads where deaths occurred.

“The decision was made to ensure safety and accessibility. This will also enhance the clock tower’s protection,” said city corporation Chief Executive Officer Md Rezai Rafine Sorkar.

But critics disagreed. Former MP Nawab Ali Abbas Khan, grandson of Ali Amjad Khan who built the tower in 1874, condemned the move as an affront to Sylhet’s heritage. “This is not just our family’s, it belongs to Sylhet. The construction has hurt public sentiment. Why build it here? It is being done to obscure the clock and erase heritage,” he said.

Abdul Karim Chowdhury Kim of the Environment and Heritage Protection Trust called the project a violation of preservation laws.

“Ali Amjad Clock is a proud symbol of Sylhet. Erecting a monument within its compound is inconsistent with its structure, beauty and historical value,” he said, adding that his group had lodged formal objections.

Cultural groups also urged greater sensitivity. “Building a memorial for July’s martyrs is noble, but couldn’t it be done more thoughtfully?” wrote Shamsul Basit Shero of Sammilito Natya Parishad.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam visited the site and promised action after reviewing concerns.