National Monument – Heroes live forever

sriti_shoudLiberation War Museum, Bangladesh established in 1996, commemorates heroic struggle of Bengalee nation for democracy and national rights which following genocide unleashed by military rulers of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, turned into armed struggle with emergence of Bangladesh as Secular Democratic State in December 1971.

Museum is housed in a two-storied building with displays in six galleries. Currently, Museum collection number 10,732 (May 2004) objects, which include rare photographs, documents, media coverages and materials used by freedom fighters and martyrs of liberation war. However the museum can display around 1300 objects due to paucity of space and its midterm plan includes purchase of a land for building a proper museum. Liberation War Museum, excavated two killing fields in Dhaka suburbs, preserves one site and these human remains have added dimension to the displays.

Liberation War Museum is outcome of citizen’s effort and is run by a Board of Trustee. It is now recognized, nationally and internationally, as credible institution on history of Bangladesh independence. The museum through its special programmes endevours to link history of liberation war with contemporary pressing social and human right issues. LWM is founder member of International Coalition of Historic Site Museum of Conscience and institutional member of American Association of Museums.

Visitors to the museum realize how through popular struggle and human sacrifices fundamental principles of democracy, secularism and nationalism of Bangladesh constitution (1972) evolved. Attempts have been taken through displays and regular programmes to create a living museum where visitor/participants can draw contemporary relevance for building national unity and a tolerant society against human rights abuses.

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