Preserving the legacy

Transforming Gonobhaban, the official residence of the deposed Prime Minister, into a museum dedicated to the students and people's revolution that led to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina's government, would be a profound symbol of Bangladesh's enduring fight for democracy, justice, and liberation. Much like other revolutionary museums in places like Berlin, Cairo, or Johannesburg, this space would capture the pivotal moments of national struggle, ensuring that the sacrifices and triumphs of the people are preserved for future generations.

This museum would not simply be a repository of historical artifacts but a living testament to the courage, unity, and determination of the people who rose up against oppression. Through a blend of interactive exhibits, personal stories, and historical documentation, visitors would engage with the key moments of the revolution, while also reflecting on the broader quest for democratic freedom. This space would honour the many lives sacrificed for liberty, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

General Artifacts

1. Personal Belongings of Key Revolution Leaders

The museum would feature personal items of revolution leaders-blood-stained clothing, handwritten slogans on walls, and belongings of student activists. These items could range from photographs, posters, banners, and ordinary objects that played significant roles in mobilizing the masses. Each artifact serves as a deeply personal connection to the events, symbolizing the courage and resilience of those who fought for democracy. These displays would offer a tribute to the brave youth of Bangladesh, showing the physical and emotional toll of their revolutionary efforts.

2. Photographs of Men and Women Supporting Protesters

A collection of photographs would highlight the contributions of everyday citizens who supported the revolution in small but significant ways. Capturing images of men and women carrying water, food, and supplies to protesters, this exhibit would emphasize the unity and solidarity of the people in the fight against oppression. These photographs serve as a testament to the shared efforts of all citizens, reinforcing the idea that revolution is not just fought on the front lines but also through acts of compassion and support behind the scenes.

3. Deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Personal Effects

The exhibit would showcase items from Sheikh Hasina's office-her desk, correspondence, speeches, and other personal effects. This display would offer an in-depth look at her governance, with particular emphasis on the divisive rhetoric and policies that contributed to her downfall. Visitors would gain insight into the internal workings of her regime and understand how it ultimately failed in the face of widespread public discontent.

4. Visual Documentation of Police Brutality

A powerful exhibit would feature images and videos of police crackdowns on protesters. These displays would show the state's violent attempts to suppress dissent, including photographs of students being shot, tear gas attacks, and excessive force used against unarmed civilians. The exhibit would serve as a sobering reminder of the lengths to which the regime went to maintain its grip on power and how the people's courage stood in stark contrast to the state's brutality.

Revolutionary Artifacts

1. Military Support for the Students

This section would highlight a critical turning point in the revolution: when segments of the military sided with the students and the people. The exhibit would feature tanks emblazoned with slogans of freedom, photographs of military personnel standing in solidarity with protesters, and other images of the armed forces joining the revolution. This display underscores the powerful alliance between the military and the people, illustrating how their unity helped accelerate the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's regime.

2. Aynaghar: The Dark Mirror of Oppression

One of the museum's most haunting exhibits would be the documentation of Aynaghar --the detention and torture facility notorious for its role in suppressing dissent. Through a mix of photographs, personal artifacts, and interviews with survivors, this exhibit would tell the story of the state's systemic use of violence to crush opposition. Objects like torn clothing, smuggled letters, and survivor testimonies would provide an intimate glimpse into the horrors of Aynaghar. The stories of survival, however, would also highlight the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.

Protest and Revolutionary Memorabilia

1. Protest Artifacts

This section would feature banners, posters, flags, and items used by protesters during the revolution. Megaphones, loudspeakers, and armbands worn by revolutionaries would bring visitors closer to the scenes of marches and sit-ins, while highlighting the creative ways in which people organized resistance.

2. Election Memorabilia

Voting machines, ballot boxes, campaign posters, and banners from the historic election that marked the end of Hasina's rule would be on display. These items symbolize the restoration of democracy and the public's role in toppling an authoritarian regime.

Historical Documents

1. Government Decrees and Opposition Letters

This section would showcase key government orders issued during the revolution, such as bans on protests and curfews, alongside opposition letters and declarations demanding justice. These documents illustrate the tensions between the regime's efforts to suppress revolution and the public's demand for freedom.

2. International Reactions and Correspondence

Diplomatic letters from world leaders, along with documents from the United Nations, international NGOs, and Nobel laureates who supported the revolution, would be included. These materials reflect the global response to the political upheaval and the international community's role in advocating for democratic change in Bangladesh.

3. Sheikh Hasina's Farcical Press Conferences: A Masterclass in Manipulation

Sheikh Hasina's press conferences have often been viewed as strategic performances, crafted more for propaganda than genuine dialogue with the public. Throughout her tenure, these events became less about transparency and more about staging control, avoiding engagement with the pressing issues facing the nation. What should have been an opportunity for open communication instead evolved into a farcical exercise, marked by selective questioning, scripted narratives, and a clear avoidance of accountability-all designed to maintain her authoritarian grip on power.

Rather than engaging with independent journalists or allowing space for opposition voices, Hasina surrounded herself with loyal media representatives who posed pre-approved, softball questions. This approach allowed her to sidestep controversy and evade critical topics such as corruption, human rights abuses, and the suppression of political dissent. Any attempts to raise these issues were either outright ignored or met with combative dismissals, often portraying such concerns as baseless accusations or the work of conspiracy theorists.

Moreover, Hasina's press conferences frequently devolved into aggressive attacks on political opponents, particularly targeting figures like Khaleda Zia and Tariq Zia. These platforms were used to spread disinformation and hateful rhetoric, painting her rivals as enemies of the state, further entrenching political divides and fueling animosity. Instead of fostering a space for democratic discourse, these sessions turned into propaganda tools aimed at consolidating her regime's power.

Her speeches were often laced with inflammatory language that distorted reality, casting her government as the sole protector of Bangladesh's interests while vilifying critics as traitors or agents of foreign influence. This tactic contributed to an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, where the press became an extension of state-sponsored propaganda, manipulating public perception and stifling meaningful debate about the country's future.

In retrospect, Sheikh Hasina's press conferences will likely be remembered not as forums of accountability, but as carefully orchestrated performances designed to project strength while masking the cracks of authoritarian rule. The preservation of footage and documents from these press conferences, and the creation of documentaries for a museum, would serve as an important historical asset. It would provide future generations and journalists with valuable lessons on how press freedom can be compromised under autocratic leadership and the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic values.

Documentaries and Visual Media

1. People's Revolution Documentary

A comprehensive documentary chronicling the revolution's timeline, featuring interviews with key figures and activists, would offer visitors a deeper understanding of the events leading to Sheikh Hasina's ouster. The documentary could also include global reactions and international news coverage.

2. The Role of Women in the Revolution

A special documentary focused on the significant contributions of women during the revolution, showcasing how female activists, journalists, and students played key roles in challenging the regime and promoting gender equality.

3. Testimonies from Revolutionaries

A multimedia presentation featuring interviews with leaders, students, and everyday citizens who participated in the revolution would provide a powerful, first-hand account of their experiences. These stories of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice would serve to humanize the events for visitors.

Immersive Experiences and Interactive Installations

1. Virtual Reality Revolution Experience

Through VR technology, visitors could relive key moments from the protests, standing shoulder to shoulder with the revolutionaries and experiencing the intensity of the movement. This immersive experience would create a strong emotional connection with the history of Bangladesh's struggle for democracy.

2. Interactive Digital Timeline

An interactive touchscreen display would allow visitors to explore the revolution in depth, offering detailed profiles of student leaders, key protests, and significant turning points throughout the movement.

Graffiti: The Art of Resistance

A unique and evocative addition to the museum would be a section dedicated to the graffiti that adorned the streets during the revolution. Graffiti, as a form of resistance, became a powerful tool for expressing dissent and uniting people. The walls of Dhaka, covered in slogans, bold images, and calls for freedom, told the story of the people's uprising in vivid, unfiltered terms. This section would feature preserved segments of these original graffiti works alongside photographs of murals and street art that captured the spirit of rebellion. Through these visual declarations of defiance, the museum would celebrate the creative ways in which people fought against oppression, making the streets a canvas for revolutionary change.

At the end converting Gonobhaban into a museum would create a space for the people of Bangladesh to remember, reflect, and honour the revolutionary efforts that shaped the nation's political landscape. Through carefully curated exhibits, artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays, the museum would offer a living memorial to the courage and determination of the students and citizens who stood up for democracy. It would ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the profound impact of this historic revolution..

Dr. Serajul I. Bhuiyan is a Professor and former Chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications at Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA.

Email: [email protected]