The memorial is said to have been built on the night of February 21, 1952 on the Rajshahi College premises but it never received the recognition it deserved.
Rajshahi College’s Principal Habibur Rahman said Chhatra Sangram Parishad built the Shaheed Minar on the east side of the institution’s Muslim Hostel’s A-block after hearing about the deaths in Dhaka.
Those who had actively participated in the Language Movement had been demanding the government acknowledged the memorial.
A month-long online voting was launched on Saturday seeking the Shaheed Minar’s recognition. Rajshahi Reporters’ Unity is running the campaign with assistance from local online newspaper ‘Barendra Express’.
Professor Rahman inaugurated the voting. After a month, an application will be sent to the Prime Minister’s Office with the demand.
Anyone can vote in the campaign by visiting barendraexpress.com.bd/firstshahidminar