Govt to spend Tk111 crore to transform Ganobhaban into 'July Uprising Memorial Museum'

The government has approved a budget of Tk111.19 crore to convert the former prime minister's official residence, Ganobhaban, into the "July Uprising Memorial Museum", commemorating the student-led uprising and mass protests of July-August 2024. 

The museum will also highlight the oppression endured by the public over the past 16 years.

The approval came today  (15 July) during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, held at the Secretariat.

The transformation will be carried out under the direct purchase method, bypassing traditional tender processes due to time constraints.

The museum's development includes both civil and electro-mechanical (E/M) works. The civil portion covers all construction, excluding electrical and mechanical installations, while the E/M portion includes components like wiring, switches, and other technical equipment.

According to meeting sources, the government had initially approved the plan to repurpose Ganobhaban as a museum on 24 December of last year. 

However, realising that regular tendering would delay the project, the committee decided to proceed via direct purchase.

Of the Tk111.19 crore budget, Tk70.36 crore has been allocated for the civil works, to be executed by The Civil Engineers Ltd.

Meanwhile, Tk40.82 crore has been approved for the E/M works, assigned to Messrs Shuvra Traders.

The museum will showcase artifacts, photos, and narratives of those who sacrificed their lives during the 2024 uprising and document events related to the political repression of the former regime.

Officials said the museum could be inaugurated as early as 5 August.