TRANSFORMING Ganabhaban, the official residence of the prime minister, into a museum reflecting the student-mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 government represents a profound symbol of the nation鈥檚 journey toward justice, democracy and liberation. Much like the Presidential Historical Museums in Philadelphia, this transformation aims to capture key historical moments, preserving them for future generations. The museum would serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and determination that people of Bangladesh showed while it would provide a space to reflect on the struggle that led to the downfall of an oppressive regime.
In constructing a comprehensive list of artefacts, documents and exhibits, the museum would combine interactive installations with personal mementoes, visual storytelling and primary documents, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the impact of the uprising. This dynamic space would honour the memory of those who sacrificed while it would emphasise the collective power of the students and the people in shaping the political landscape.
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General artefacts
Personal belongings of key uprising leaders: The museum would feature personal items of uprising leaders 鈥� blood-stained clothes, handwritten slogans on walls and belongings of student activists. The items could range from photographs, posters, banners and ordinary objects that played a significant role in mobilising the masses. Each artefact serves as a deeply personal connection to the events, symbolising the courage and resilience of those who fought for democracy. These displays would offer a tribute to the brave youth, showing the physical and emotional toll of their efforts.
Photographs of people supporting protesters: A collection of photographs would highlight the contributions of everyday citizens who supported the uprising in small but significant ways. Capturing images of people carrying water, food and supplies to protesters, this exhibit would emphasise the unity and solidarity of the people in the fight against oppression. The photographs will serve as a testament to shared efforts of all citizens, reinforcing the idea that uprising is not just fought on the front lines but also through acts of compassion and behind-the-scenes support.
Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 personal effects: The exhibit would showcase items from Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 office 鈥� her desk, correspondence, speeches and other personal effects. This display would offer an in-depth look at her governance, with a particular emphasis on the divisive rhetoric and policies that contributed to her downfall. Visitors would gain insight into the internal workings of her regime and understand how it ultimately failed in the face of widespread public discontent.
Visual documentation of police brutality: A powerful exhibit would feature images and videos of police crackdown on protesters. The displays would show the state鈥檚 violent attempts at suppressing dissent, including photographs of students being shot, tear-gas attacks and excessive force used against unarmed civilians. The exhibit would serve as a sobering reminder of the lengths to which the regime went to maintain its grip on power and how the people鈥檚 courage stood in stark contrast to the state鈥檚 brutality.
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Revolutionary artefacts
Military support for students: This section would highlight a critical turning point in the uprising, when segments of the military sided with the students and the people. The exhibit would feature tanks emblazoned with slogans of freedom, photographs of military personnel standing in solidarity with protesters and other images of the armed forces joining the uprising. This display underscores the powerful alliance between the military and the people, illustrating how their unity helped to accelerate the collapse of Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 regime.
Aynaghar, the dark mirror of oppression: One of the museum鈥檚 most haunting exhibits would be the documentation of aynaghar, the detention and torture facility notorious for its role in suppressing dissent. Through a mix of photographs, personal artefacts and interviews with survivors, this exhibit would tell the story of the state鈥檚 systemic use of violence to crush opposition. Objects such as torn clothes, smuggled letters and survivor testimonies would provide an intimate glimpse into the horrors of the aynaghar. The stories of survival, however, would also highlight the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
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Protest memorabilia
Protest artefacts: This section would feature banners, posters, flags and items used by protesters during the protests and uprising. Megaphones, loudspeakers, and armbands worn by revolutionaries would bring visitors closer to the scenes of marches and sit-ins, while highlighting the creative ways in which people organised resistance.
Election memorabilia: Voting machines, ballot boxes, campaign posters and banners from the election that marked the end of Hasina鈥檚 rule would be on display. These items symbolise the restoration of democracy and the public鈥檚 role in toppling an authoritarian regime.
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Historical documents
Government decrees and opposition letters: This section would showcase key government orders issued during the protest and uprising such as bans on protests and the imposition of a curfew, alongside opposition letters and announcements demanding justice. These documents illustrate the tension between the regime鈥檚 efforts to suppress uprising and the public鈥檚 demand for freedom.
International reactions and correspondence: Diplomatic letters from world leaders, along with documents from the United Nations, international NGOs, and Nobel laureates who supported the protests, would be included. These materials reflect the global response to the political upheaval and the international community鈥檚 role in advocating for democratic change.
Hasina鈥檚 farcical press conferences: Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 press conferences have often been viewed as strategic performances, crafted more for propaganda than genuine dialogues with the public. Throughout her tenure, such events became less about transparency and more about staging control, avoiding engagement with the pressing issues facing the nation. What should have been an opportunity for open communication, instead, evolved into a farcical exercise, marked by selective questioning, scripted narratives, and a clear avoidance of accountability, all designed to maintain her authoritarian grip on power.
Rather than engaging with independent journalists or allowing space for opposition voices, Hasina surrounded herself with loyal media representatives who posed pre-approved, softball questions. This approach allowed her to sidestep controversy and evade critical topics such as corruption, rights abuses and the suppression of political dissent. Any attempts to raise these issues were either outright ignored or met with combative dismissals, often portraying such concerns as baseless accusations or the work of conspiracy theorists.
Moreover, Hasina鈥檚 press conferences frequently devolved into aggressive attacks on political opponents, particularly targeting figures such as Khaleda Zia and Tareque Rahman. These platforms were used to spread disinformation and hateful rhetoric, painting her rivals as enemies of the state, further entrenching political divides and fuelling animosity. Instead of fostering a space for democratic discourse, these sessions turned into propaganda tools aimed at consolidating her regime鈥檚 power.
Her speeches were often laced with inflammatory language that distorted reality, casting her government as the sole protector of Bangladesh鈥檚 interests while vilifying critics as traitors or agents of foreign influence. This tactic contributed to an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, where the press became an extension of state-sponsored propaganda, manipulating public perception and stifling meaningful debate about the country鈥檚 future.
In retrospect, Hasina鈥檚 press conferences will likely be remembered not as forums of accountability, but as carefully orchestrated performances designed to project strength while masking the cracks of authoritarian rule. The preservation of footage and documents from these press conferences and the creation of documentaries for a museum would serve as an important asset. It would provide future generations and journalists with valuable lessons on how press freedom can be compromised under autocratic leadership and the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic values.
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Documentaries and visual media
People鈥檚 uprising documentary: A comprehensive documentary chronicling the revolution鈥檚 timeline, featuring interviews with key figures and activists, would offer visitors a deeper understanding of the events leading to Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 overthrow. The documentary could also include global reactions and international news coverage.
Role of women in uprising: A special documentary focused on the significant contribution of women to the uprising, showcasing how female activists, journalists and students played key roles in challenging the regime and promoting gender equality.
Testimonies from protesters: A multimedia presentation featuring interviews with the leaders, students and everyday citizens who participated in the uprising would provide a powerful, first-hand account of their experiences. These stories of bravery, resilience and sacrifice would serve to humanise the events for visitors.
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Immersive experiences and interactive installations
Virtual reality uprising experience: Through virtual reality technology, visitors could relive key moments from the protests, standing shoulder to shoulder with the protesters and experiencing the intensity of the movement. This immersive experience would create a strong emotional connection with the history of Bangladesh鈥檚 struggle for democracy.
Interactive digital timeline: An interactive touchscreen display would allow visitors to explore the revolution in depth, offering detailed profiles of student leaders, key protests and significant turning points throughout the movement.
At the end, converting Ganabhaban into a museum would create a space for the people to remember, reflect and honour the efforts for the uprising that shaped the nation鈥檚 political landscape. Through carefully curated exhibits, artefacts, documents, and multimedia displays, the museum would offer a living memorial to the courage and determination of the students and citizens who stood up for democracy. It would ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the profound impact of this historic revolution.
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Dr Serajul I Bhuiyan is a professor and former chair of the journalism and mass communications department at Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA.