Jadughor

Liberation War Museum

Introduction: Greatest achievement of the Bengali nation, glorious chapter of the great liberation war of 1971. The oppressed Bengalis gained complete independence through this war during the period of colonial exploitation. Freedom has come through immense sacrifice, blood of millions of martyrs and ruins. Memories of this great sacrifice, valor and heroism of the Bengalis are scattered all over the country and abroad. The ‘Liberation War Museum’ is the institution that has taken appropriate measures to preserve and display these glorious traditions.

Purpose and responsibility of establishing a museum: Every independent nation is eternally responsible to the heroes of its independence. The Liberation War Museum has been set up to preserve and display the true history of the establishment of independent Bangladesh to the new generation. At its entrance is engraved in the ‘Eternal Flame’ stone that firm promise-

‘Witness the blood-soaked soil of Bangladesh

Witness the moon stars in the sky

I have not forgotten any memory of the martyrs

We will not forget anything. '

Initiatives and Establishment: Some patriotic, socially conscious great people took the initiative to establish this museum. The unprecedented response, support and assistance of people from all walks of life across the country play an effective role in the implementation of this noble initiative. The museum was established on 22 March 1997 by renovating an old two-storey building in Dhaka's Segunbagichar. It was inaugurated by Archie, granddaughter of martyred intellectual Rashidul Hasan.

Features and infrastructure: Naturally, the Liberation War Museum is completely different from other museums in terms of features. The exhibition, arranged in six galleries of the two-storey museum, has a well-planned and well-managed impression. There is a small premises at the entrance of the building. A car used by Fazle Rabbi.

First Gallery: The first gallery is neatly arranged with ancient Bengali artefacts and images of the struggle against British colonial rule. The design of the Palashi Desert, the Sepoy Rebellion, Tipu Sultan, Titumir's paintings, Khudiram, Pritilata, Maulana Mohammad Ali, Shawkat Ali and the Dhaka University Committee's light paintings, Rabindranath's small sculptures, undisputed evidence of undivided India and the history of the Bengali nation. There is a picture of Mainamati, Paharpur, model of Satgabhuj mosque, palm leaf book, ancient church, patterns of ancient Bengali artefacts.

Second Gallery: This gallery shows the history of discrimination, oppression, rule and exploitation of Pakistanis. It contains clothes, pens, pipes, handkerchiefs and letters used by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Third Gallery: At the beginning of the exhibition of this gallery there is a picture of Bangabandhu's exalted call on March 7. There is the non-cooperation movement of '71, the genocide on March 25, the declaration of independence of Kalurghat radio station, the swearing in of the caretaker government and the miserable lives of the refugees.

Fourth Gallery: This gallery has several showcases. Clothing and other items used by various martyrs are preserved here. There are also various reports on genocide in foreign newspapers.

Fifth Gallery: In the fifth gallery, besides the evidence of the contribution of common people in the war of liberation, there is a place for guerrilla warfare, independent Bengali radio, naval commando, air force, women's society, weapons used in the war of liberation, foreign support and especially the support of Indian people.

Sixth Gallery: This is the last room in the museum. There are signs of non-acceptance and self-sacrifice of the Indian forces. There are images of the surrender of the Pak army, their accomplices Razakar, Alshams, Al Badr, the most heinous killings. There is also the pride of self-sacrifice of the heroic warriors of Bengal.

Activities of the Liberation War Museum: The Liberation War Museum conducts various activities keeping in view the aims and objectives of its establishment.