CA asks authorities to build Aynaghar replica at July Museum

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed authorities concerned to create a replica of the Aynaghar (Mirror House) at the proposed July Museum in Ganabhaban, the official residence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country amid widespread protests against her 15 years of misrule.

During her tenure, Hasina’s infamous security agencies were known for secretly detaining hundreds of dissidents and opposition activists at the Aynaghar.

Professor Yunus emphasised that the replica should remind visitors of the suffering and torture endured by those secret prisoners.

Dr Yunus also urged his advisers to expedite the construction of the museum dedicated to the July-August mass uprising, according to a spokesperson from the Chief Adviser's office.

"The museum should capture the memories of Hasina’s misrule and the public outrage that led to her removal from power," he stated while inspecting the site.

A massive protest led to demonstrators storming Ganabhaban on August 5, moments after the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had fled to India.

Angered protesters expressed their dissent by scrawling graffiti and leaving protest notes on the walls, labelling her "Khuni Hasina" (killer Hasina).

Advisers Adilur Rahman Khan, Nahid Islam, and Asif Mahmud accompanied the chief adviser during his visit. Professor Yunus instructed them to consult with museum experts and finalise proposals for the museum by December.

Nahid Islam, a student leader turned adviser, mentioned that the misdeeds of Hasina's regime since 2009 would be meticulously documented in the museum.

He added that they are collaborating with international experts to learn how other countries have built memorials to commemorate their revolutions and uprisings.

Mahfuj Alam, special assistant to the chief adviser, was also present during the visit.

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