Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has inaugurated the much-anticipated July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum at Ganobhaban in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar of the capital, a project aimed at preserving the memories and historical significance of the 2024 July mass uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina-government.
 
The premier unveiled the inaugural plaque at the museum premises, located on the northern side of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, around 9am on Wednesday.

He later toured the galleries showcasing the background of the uprising, the country’s political developments, and exhibits documenting the 16-year rule of the former Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.

Former chief adviser to the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, attended the inauguration ceremony. A prayer was offered before the prime minister visited different sections of the museum.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Cultural Affairs Zahed Ur Rahman, senior government officials and other distinguished guests were also present. The prime minister’s daughter, Zaima Rahman, joined the visit.

The inaugural programme included accounts from participants in the July uprising and family members of those killed during the movement, who recalled the sacrifices and events that shaped the mass protests.

Although formally inaugurated on Wednesday, the museum will open to the public from tomorrow (Thursday).

Visitors will be required to book tickets through an online reservation system. Entry fees have been set at Tk 50 for adults and Tk 25 for children.

The museum will follow a time slot-based entry system to manage visitor flow. Applicants will receive their allocated visiting time through the online booking platform. If all slots for a particular day are filled, visitors will need to select another available date.

Ganobhaban, the official residence of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was vandalised after she left Bangladesh for India on 5 August 2024 amid the student-led mass uprising.

An interim government led by Professor Yunus took office on 8 August 2024. During its tenure, Ganobhaban was converted into the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum to preserve photographs, documents and artefacts related to the uprising and its legacy.

FP/A