July Memorial Museum to be inaugurated on August 5

The July Memorial Museum, a major national initiative commemorating the fall of the Awami League government and the July 2024 uprising, is set to be officially inaugurated on August 5 at Ganabhaban, the former residence of Sheikh Hasina.

The announcement was made on Monday during a press conference at Ganabhaban, marking the commencement of the 'July Uprising Reawakening Programmes'.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki confirmed that the museum is nearing completion, although it will open to visitors on a later date.

He described Ganabhaban, now repurposed for the museum, as a "crime zone" where acts of repression, including enforced disappearances and killings, were allegedly orchestrated.

"The museum will expose the real picture of Sheikh Hasina's fascism," said Farooki, branding the site also a "horror zone."

The July Memorial Museum is part of the Bangladesh National Museum and will house documentary evidence explaining the causes of the July Revolution, along with extensive archival material: photographs of the uprising, clothing of martyrs, personal letters, historic documents, newspaper clippings, audio-visual recordings, and other memorabilia. A special exhibition will depict the escape of Sheikh Hasina, whom the organisers have labelled as "dictator and genocide leader."

Farooki emphasised the museum's broader purpose, saying, "The court will judge the crimes of Sheikh Hasina and her associates, but our aim is for visitors to evaluate those crimes through their own conscience."

The museum will also serve as a platform for what he described as a "lifetime trial" of the atrocities during Hasina's 16-year rule. Though the building suffered damage during public outrage following the regime's fall on August 5, 2024, it is currently under repair.

Museum in-charge Monirul Islam confirmed that the structure will remain unchanged architecturally, and operations will begin following the inauguration.

Beyond the capital, the interim government has launched extensive programmes to commemorate the uprising throughout the country.

Memorials dedicated to the July martyrs are being constructed in all 64 districts, with work starting on Monday in Narayanganj.

Farooki noted that these will be "text-based memorials" reflecting the literary and slogan-driven nature of the movement. The construction is expected to be completed by August 4.

Five interim government advisers - Asif Nazrul, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adilur Rahman Khan, CR Abrar and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan - have already travelled to Narayanganj to oversee the launch of these regional memorials.

In addition, July 16 will be observed as July Martyrs' Day. A delegation of advisers will visit Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur to honour martyr Abu Sayeed and others who lost their lives in the uprising.

Meanwhile, Chattogram will host a day-long cultural event at Kazir Dewri stadium featuring documentary screenings and a musical concert with performers from Dhaka and Chattogram.

The evening will conclude with a drone art display, and final event details will be shared during a morning press briefing on the same day.

At the press conference, Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid highlighted the critical role of women in the movement, noting that July 14 is now being observed as July Women's Day.

She recalled how girls from Dhaka University led protests on this night last year, protecting male demonstrators and galvanising resistance against the regime.

"The July Movement showed how collective power can transform society. This power must be sustained," she said.

Murshid acknowledged, however, that many women who were active in the uprising are now reluctant to come forward, citing widespread cyberbullying and emotional trauma.

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has initiated the "July Konna" programme to recognise the contributions of female protesters and to combat online harassment.

A dedicated cyber team is being formed to check abuse round the clock, including harassment originating from abroad.

In the evening (of July 14), a special commemorative event was held at the Central Shaheed Minar, starting at 6pm with the national anthem.

The programme, organised by female students of Dhaka University, featured six documentary screenings and a drone show supported by the Chinese Embassy, illustrating the 16 years of authoritarianism under the Awami League.

The event culminated in a symbolic "Thala-Bati" (pot-and-pan) procession, replicating the spirited street demonstrations of July 2024.

The programme was broadcasted live on a digital screen at the venue for public viewing.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present there.

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