Dhaka, June 26 -- The mural of Rafiqul Islam, a freedom fighter and key proponent behind the UN recognition of International Mother Language Day, has been vandalised in Cumilla, triggering widespread outrage.

The mural, located next to the Rajbari Collectorate School, was erected under the supervision of the district administration and at the initiative of Rafiqul's family.

It was unveiled on Feb 21, 2015, by then-Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Hasanuzzaman Kallol and Rafiqul's wife Buli Islam. His ancestral home stands adjacent to the site.

Photos of the vandalised mural spread quickly on social media from Wednesday morning, prompting an outpouring of criticism from Liberation War veterans and citizens alike.

When asked, however, teache...