The July Museum will be inaugurated before August 5 this year pending the Prime Minister’s approval, Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said yesterday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, he said the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum has been established as a symbol of the historic sacrifice of students and the public against 18 years of misrule and authoritarianism. 

He said it was made in order and to preserve the memory of the mass uprising of August 5, 2024.

Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said after analysing the depth, scale and core significance of the mass uprising, the initiative to build the "July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum" was taken in accordance with the decision of the interim government. 

After assuming office, the present government has introduced some structural changes and legal refinements to make the project more precise and permanent.

The minister said a strong governing board has already been formed to run the museum. 

During the tenure of the interim government, the director general of the National Museum had been given additional responsibility. 

However, a full-fledged museum requires a permanent staffing structure and a specific organogram for its operation. 

Some time has been spent due to the process of obtaining legal approval and amending regulations involving the Ministry of Public Administration and other relevant departments. 

Construction and renovation work is nearing completion, he said, adding the issue of staff recruitment will be finalised at the first meeting of the newly-formed governing board within the next two to three days. 

Thereafter, subject to the convenience and approval of the honourable prime minister, the memorial museum will be formally inaugurated on a specific date as soon as possible.

At the press conference, Adviser for Cultural Affairs Dr Jahed-ur Rahman outlined the special programmes undertaken by the ministry to uphold the spirit of July.

He said from today, all institutions under the ministry will organise various cultural programmes, exhibitions and competitions nationwide. 

He said the date (July 15) was particularly significant because after midnight on July 14, students took to the streets, and on July 15 students — especially female students — were subjected to brutal attacks, which later accelerated the procession of the great sacrifice on July 16. 

Also present at the press conference were State Minister for Culture Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, Adviser for Cultural Affairs Dr Jahed-ur Rahman, and ministry Secretary Miz Kaniz Moula.