The government has approved a Tk111.19 crore project to convert Ganobhaban, the former official residence of the prime minister, into the July Uprising Memorial Museum. The initiative is aimed at preserving the memory of the student-led protests and mass uprising that swept across the country in July-August 2024.
The decision was finalized today during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed at the Secretariat.
The museum will not only commemorate the sacrifices of those involved in the 2024 uprising but will also document the political oppression and public suffering over the last 16 years. It will include artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts of the victims and protestors who played a central role in the movement.
Due to the urgency of the project, the government has opted for the Direct Purchase Method (DPM), bypassing the usual tendering procedures. Sources said the traditional tender process would delay the project, which the authorities are keen to complete swiftly.
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According to the approved plan:
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Tk70.36 crore has been allocated for civil construction work, which will be implemented by The Civil Engineers Ltd.
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Tk40.82 crore has been earmarked for electro-mechanical (E/M) work, including wiring and other technical installations, to be executed by Messrs Shuvra Traders.
The initial decision to turn Ganobhaban into a museum was made on 24 December 2024, but the execution faced delays due to procedural complexities.
Officials now hope to inaugurate the museum on 5 August, in what would be a symbolic tribute to the movement’s impact on the nation’s political landscape.
The transformation of Ganobhaban is seen as a significant step in institutionalising the legacy of the 2024 July Uprising and educating future generations about the struggle for democratic rights.
