Govt to spend Tk111cr to turn Ganabhaban into July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum
In addition, July memorial pillars are being erected in all 64 districts
The government has approved in principle two proposals worth Tk111.20 crore to transform the former prime minister's official residence, Ganabhaban, into the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum, commemorating the student-led uprising of July-August 2024 that led to Sheikh Hasina's ouster on 5 August last year.
The museum will highlight the oppression endured by the public during the 15 years of Awami League rule. It will showcase artefacts, 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.
To complete the museum conversion by 5 August, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works will spend the funds using direct procurement instead of the traditional open tendering method.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The funding approval came from a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, held at the Secretariat today (15 July).
Of the Tk111.20 crore budget, Tk70.36 crore has been allocated for the civil works, to be executed by The Civil Engineers Ltd, and Tk40.82 crore has been approved for the E/M works, assigned to Shuvra Traders.
According to meeting sources, Ganabhaban's conversion can't be finished by 5 August via open tender, so direct procurement will be used.
On September 5 last year, the interim government, a month after assuming office, decided to turn Ganabhaban into the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum and formed a committee for its construction.
The government also began building July memorial pillars in all 64 districts, with some already completed in places like Jashore and Narayanganj.
The government has also taken initiatives to support the July Uprising victims and their families. Finance ministry officials said in FY26, Tk405 crore has been allocated to support the families of those killed or injured in the uprising, including one-time grants, monthly honorariums, medical allowances, housing, and employment opportunities.
In the last fiscal year (FY15), Tk232.6 crore was allocated for similar support, including treatment, stipends, and rehabilitation.
Additionally, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works has launched a project to provide free flats in Dhaka's Mirpur area to those seriously injured in the uprising.
Over 1,500 flats will be built at Tk1,344 crore from the state treasury. Each 1,250 sq ft flat will include two bedrooms, a drawing room, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and three bathrooms.
