The government will renovate the Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram and reopen it to the public as quickly as possible, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said on Friday.
He made the remarks after visiting the museum, located beside the Chattogram Circuit House and associated with the memory of late president Ziaur Rahman.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, the minister said the historic site had suffered from neglect and lack of maintenance due to what he described as the “politics of vengeance” pursued by the previous government.
He said the museum would be restored to its former status and modernised to preserve the memory of President Ziaur Rahman and various artefacts used by him.
Several rooms of the museum have been kept vacant for renovation work, he added.
The minister was accompanied by State minister for Liberation War affairs Ishraque Hossain, Chattogram-8 lawmaker Ershad Ullah, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia, South District BNP Convener Idris Mia and senior ministry officials.
Addressing journalists, Ahmed Azam Khan said Ziaur Rahman played a significant role at different stages of Bangladesh’s history, from Major Zia to president Zia. He said the museum was established to preserve the memory of the former president and that renovation work would ensure proper conservation of his legacy and memorabilia.
The minister said Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence during the Liberation War, fought in the war, received the Bir Uttam gallantry award, became army chief and later served as president.
He added that Zia played a major role in transforming the country’s economy and development landscape. According to the minister, later governments repeatedly attempted to downplay his contribution. He said the ministry would take the highest level of initiative to preserve his memory.
Referring to the Zia Independence Complex near the Kalurghat radio station, the minister said its name had been changed in the past due to political rivalry. He added that initiatives would be taken to restore it as the Zia Memorial Complex in the future.
State Minister Engineer Ishraque Hossain said the government was sincere about preserving both the museum and the Zia Memorial Complex, describing them as important historical landmarks. He said future generations must learn the country’s history, as a nation cannot properly shape itself without understanding its past.
Speaking about the condition of the museum, he said parts of the building had been damaged by earthquakes. He added that renovation work would be completed as soon as possible and the museum would then reopen to visitors.
President Ziaur Rahman was killed by a group of mutinous army personnel at the Chattogram Circuit House in 1981. Later that year, the site was converted into a memorial museum in his honour. According to those concerned, the historic establishment remained largely neglected due to inadequate maintenance for more than a decade and a half.
