Govt allocates Tk111 crore to convert Ganobhaban into 'July Uprising Memorial Museum'

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

The museum will also showcase the oppression faced by the public over the past 16 years.

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

Due to time constraints, the transformation will be executed using the direct purchase method, bypassing the usual tender process.

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

According to sources from the meeting, the government had initially approved the plan to convert Ganobhaban into a museum on 24 December of last year. However, recognizing that the traditional tendering process would delay the project, the committee opted for direct procurement instead.

Out of the Tk111.19 crore budget, Tk70.36 crore has been allocated for civil works, which will be carried out by The Civil Engineers Ltd., while Tk40.82 crore has been designated for the E/M works, to be executed by Messrs Shuvra Traders.

The museum will feature artifacts, photos, and stories of those who sacrificed their lives during the 2024 uprising, along with documentation of the political repression under the previous regime.

Officials have stated that the museum could be inaugurated as early as 5 August.