Bangladesh is transforming the once-opulent Ganabhaban palace, former home of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, into a revolution museum to honor the Bangladesh revolution that ended her 15-year rule. Announced on August 4, 2025, by interim leader Muhammad Yunus, the museum will preserve the scars of Hasina’s autocratic regime and the courage of the student-led uprising that toppled her on August 5, 2024. The decision has stirred deep emotions, as the palace stands as a symbol of both oppression and resistance.
History of Current Revolution Museum
The Ganabhaban, built by Hasina’s father, Bangladesh’s first leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was stormed by thousands after Hasina fled to India by helicopter. Graffiti like “Freedom” and “We want justice” still marks its walls, untouched to reflect the public’s anger. The sentiment, with one user writing, “This palace was her fortress of fear—now it’s ours to tell the truth.” The museum will feature artifacts from fallen protesters, their stories told through films and photos, and a replica of the notorious “House of Mirrors” Aynaghar detention center, where Hasina’s regime tortured prisoners in isolation.
Curator Tanzim Wahab told AFP the museum aims to spark discussions on democracy among youth, saying, “We want to build a new Bangladesh.” Yet, challenges loom. Human Rights Watch warns the interim government is struggling with an unreformed security sector and political vengeance, slowing democratic reforms. On X, some express hope, with a user noting, “This museum will remind us why we fought.” Others fear ongoing turmoil, as protests continue over Hasina’s exile in India.
What’s Next
With up to 1,400 lives lost in the 2024 uprising, according to the UN, the museum carries the weight of collective grief and resilience. As Bangladesh navigates its fragile transition, the Ganabhaban’s transformation into a revolution museum offers a space to mourn, reflect, and rebuild, ensuring the Bangladesh revolution’s legacy endures.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 4th, 2025
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