TDS Desk:

The interim government has formed a committee to transform Ganabhaban, official residence of former prime minister, into a museum named “July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum”.

Dr Ebadur Rahman, a curator, teacher, writer, and filmmaker, has been appointed as the committee’s convenor.

Md Mahfuz Alam, the chief adviser’s special assistant, will serve as the joint convenor of the committee.

The committee was announced on Saturday at a press conference held at the Ganabhaban gate by Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Nahid Islam.

Other members of the committee include writer and human rights activist Mustain Billah; Jahid Sabuj, a faculty member of the Department of Fine Arts at Jagannath University; Dr Nurul Momen Bhuiyan, an anthropology professor at the National University; photographer, teacher, and director of research and publication at the Academy of Fine Arts, Tanzim Wahab; writer and researcher Sahul Ahmed Munna; architect Marina Tabassum; the Director General of the Bangladesh National Museum; the Director General of the Department of Archives and Libraries; the Director General of the Department of Archaeology; the Chief Architect of the Department of Architecture; Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department; Additional Chief Architect of the Department of Architecture Md Asifur Rahman Bhuiyan; the President or suitable representative of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh; lead architect of Nakshabid Architects, Baizid Mahbub Khandaker; and architect Tanzim Hasan Selim of Design Works Group.

In addition, one or two student representatives will be included in the committee, Adviser Nahid said.

He added: “The July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum will preserve the remnants of oppression experienced in Bangladesh over the past 16 years, along with the symbols of victory by students and the public. There are also plans to create a replica of the ‘Ayna Ghar’ (secret detention centre).”

In addition to preserving historical symbols, the museum will serve as a center for research, the advisor mentioned, saying: “As a symbol of the victory of the public, this museum will be embraced by the people.”

Md Mahfuz Alam, chief adviser’s special assistant, commented: “The people of Bangladesh have broken the arrogance of the fascist government leader by entering Ganabhaban to protect their dignity. Over the past 16 years, this place became a symbol of suffering for Bangladesh’s people. However, it also holds the marks of the public’s victory.”

He further said that the museum would showcase the symbols of the people’s triumph over fascism and that it will be open not just to the people of Bangladesh but to the world.

The newly formed committee for the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum is expected to start its work within the week.