On July 15, 2025, in Dhaka, the interim government announced a significant step toward preserving the legacy of the 2024 student-led uprising. “The government is set to transform Gonabhaban, the residence of the former prime minister, into the ‘July Uprising Memorial Museum’ at an estimated cost of Tk 111 crore,” as confirmed in a recent statement.
Once a symbol of authority, “Once a central command of Sheikh Hasina’s brutal dictatorship, the post-August Gonabhaban, is now all but in ruins,” noted a report by The Daily Star, reflecting the site’s transformation after the protests.
The project, approved on July 15 during a meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Committee chaired by Financial Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed, aims for completion by August 5, 2025. “Two proposals for completing the project by August 5 through direct procurement were approved today at a meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Committee, chaired by Financial Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed,” the statement detailed.
“Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat following the meeting, the finance advisor confirmed that the museum will feature both electro-mechanical (E/M) and civil development components,” ensuring a comprehensive setup. “The E/M segment includes electrical wiring, switches, and related systems, while the civil portion covers the remainder of the structural work,” he added.
The museum will preserve the site’s post-uprising state, including graffiti like “Khuni Hasina,” as a testament to public anger, per X posts. With a budget of Tk 111.19 crore, the project, led by the Public Works Department, reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to honoring the July 2024 uprising’s martyrs, with over 1,000 deaths reported. A replica of the “Aynaghar” detention facility will also be included, as urged by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, to highlight past oppression.