Ongikar Monument Chandpur

Ongikar Monument (Ongikar Monument) has been constructed in 1971 in the memory of the martyrs of the Great Liberation War on the lake next to Muktijoddha Road, the heart of Chandpur district city. It was built by Syed Abdullah Khalid, the architect of the invincible Bengali sculpture located in front of Kala Bhavan of Dhaka University. Cement, stone and iron have been used to create the 15-feet tall Pledge sculpture, which is popularly known as the central memorial of Chandpur.

The clenched fist raised above the Pledge sculpture in front of the Hasan Ali Government High School grounds symbolizes the people's determination for freedom, and the power to achieve and defend freedom through the arms in hand. In 1989, the spectacular pledge sculpture was built by the efforts of the then Deputy Commissioner of Chandpur, SM Shamchul Alam. Wreaths are placed at the foot of the Angikar sculpture on various national days every year. And every day from afternoon to evening, the surroundings of the sculpture become crowded with numerous visitors. In the moonlight, the Angika sculpture in the water of the lake looks amazing.

From Sadarghat launch terminal in the capital Dhaka every day from 7 am to 1 hour several launches depart for Chandpur. MV Sonartari, MV Taqwa, MV Bogdadiya, MV Meghna Rani, MV Al Borak, MV Eagle, MV Rafarf, MV Tutul etc. are notable among the launches bound for Chandpur from Dhaka. The launch fare from Dhaka to Chandpur ranges from Tk 100 to Tk 2000 depending on the category. It takes 3 to 3 and a half hours to reach Chandpur from Dhaka by water.

Besides, Padma Exclusive Bus leaves for Chandpur from Sayedabad Bus Terminal in Dhaka every day from 6 am to 9 pm. If you want again you can go to Chandpur by train from Dhaka. But in that case you have to come from Dhaka to Laksam and then go to Chandpur.

The distance from Chandpur bus stand to Angikar sculpture is only 1.5 km. You can reach the sculpture by taking a rickshaw or autorickshaw from anywhere in the city.

Hotel Grand Hilsha is one of the best quality hotels to stay in Chandpur city. Besides, you will find some more residential hotels of fair quality near the court station in Chandpur. There are some mid-range residential hotels on the banks of the river near Chowdhury Ghat or New Bridge.

Chandpur has several food hotels of varying quality to satisfy hunger. You can eat at any hotel of your choice. If you want to eat fresh hilsa, you can look for hotels in the huts of the railway station or the hotels at the launch ghat. Also, you can try Awal Bhai's Sweets and One Minute Ice Cream of Faridganj.

Feature Image: Abandoned Shafkat