The 1982 National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiya Smriti Soudho) commemorates those who died in Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. Its seven triangular concrete panels rise 150 feet on a large landscaped site.
The National Martyrs' Memorial stands in Savar, about 35 km from central Dhaka along the Dhaka-Aricha highway. Designed by Moinul Hossain and completed in 1982, it is a series of seven triangular panels that fan upward to about 150 feet, symbolising the stages of the independence struggle. The 34-hectare grounds include mass graves and a small exhibit. From Gabtoli, city buses run to Savar and the memorial is a short CNG or rickshaw ride from the main road at Nabinagar. Traffic on the highway is heavy at peak hours, so leave before 08:00 and return before 16:00. Many visitors pair the memorial with nearby Dhamrai for handicrafts or the Savar Botanical Garden for a picnic lunch.
| Distance | About 35 km north-west of Dhaka |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5-3 hours each way depending on traffic |
| Getting there | Mode: Bus or car; Detail: City bus from Gabtoli terminal to Savar, then rickshaw or CNG to the memorial gate |
| Cost | About BDT 100-300 (~$0.81-2.44) by bus and rickshaw; entry is free |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Jatiya Smriti Soudho, Nabinagar, Savar, Dhaka 1340 |
How to get there
- Bus: Gabtoli to Savar Bus Stand or Nabinagar (45-90 min, BDT 30-60), then CNG or rickshaw
- Uber/Pathao car (about 1.5-2 hrs in traffic)
- Car with driver as a half-day trip
- Combine with Dhamrai (about 15 km further)
Location
Jatiya Smriti Soudho, Nabinagar, Savar, Dhaka 1340
23.9139, 90.2536 View on map
Highlights
- Seven-panel memorial by architect Moinul Hossain
- Landscaped grounds and mass graves
- Nearby Rana Plaza memorial site and Savar Botanical Garden
- Dhamrai village and its brass-crafts workshops
Tips for visiting
- Go early on a weekday to avoid crowds and heat
- Dress modestly; it is a national memorial
- Bring water: little shade on site
- Do not photograph security posts
When to visit
Early morning in November-February for cooler weather.
Accessibility
Broad paths and ramps at the main memorial; unshaded and long walks.
Frequently asked questions
Is the memorial free to enter?
Yes, there is no entry fee, though visitors pass a security check.
What is the best day to visit?
A weekday morning; Fridays and holidays can be crowded with families.
Can I see it on the way to somewhere else?
Yes, it sits on the road north-west from Dhaka, so it pairs with Dhamrai or the Savar Botanical Garden.