Sher-e-Bangla Memorial Museum
Barishal
The Sher-e-Bangla Memorial Museum, situated in Chakhar, Barishal District, Bangladesh, honors the legacy of A. K. Fazlul Huq, a prominent British Bengal-born Pakistani statesman known as Sher-e-Bangla. Established in 1983 on part of his homestead, the museum was constructed by the Department of Archaeology under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The building spans 83 meters in length and 14.60 meters in width, comprising four rooms including two galleries, an office, and a library. Visitors can view a large portrait of Sher-e-Bangla alongside a detailed history of his life, social and political activities, family photographs, and newspaper clippings. The museum also displays numerous personal belongings such as his armchair, wooden bed, dressing table, walking stick, and drinking glasses. In addition, it houses archaeological relics like an octagonal stone statue of Marichi Devi, a large black stone Shivalinga, a bronze Khasaparna Buddha statue, gold coins, silver embossed coins, and copper coins from Sri Lankan, British, and Sultanate periods. This blend of personal memorabilia and historical artifacts makes the museum a unique site reflecting both the political heritage and cultural history of the region.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Sher-e-Bangla Memorial Museum is during the cooler months to enjoy a comfortable tour. It is advisable to check the opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets beforehand if available. Visitors may find discounts for students or groups, so inquire locally. The museum's location within school grounds suggests limited parking; using local transport or taxis is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The museum was built on part of Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq's original homestead.
- •It displays a unique collection of archaeological relics including statues and coins from Sri Lankan, British, and Sultanate periods.
- •A crocodile from the Sundarbans was once part of the museum's collection, gifted to Sher-e-Bangla by Syed Anichuzzaman.
- •The building measures 83 meters long and 14.60 meters wide, featuring two galleries and a library.
History
Construction of the Sher-e-Bangla Memorial Museum began in 1982 by the Department of Archaeology, under Bangladesh's Ministry of Cultural Affairs, on land that was part of Sher-e-Bangla's homestead.
The museum officially opened in 1983 to preserve and showcase his personal effects and historical artifacts.
Initially, the collection included rare photographs, letters, furniture, and a crocodile from the Sundarbans gifted to Sher-e-Bangla.
Since then, the museum has expanded its exhibits to include archaeological relics from various historical periods, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.
Place Guide
Entrance Gallery
Features a large portrait of Sher-e-Bangla with a brief history of his life, social and political activities, family photographs, and newspaper clippings illustrating his career.
Personal Belongings Room
Displays Sher-e-Bangla's personal items including his armchair, wooden bed, mattress, clothes stand, dressing table, stool, chair and table, walking stick, and drinking glasses.
Archaeological Relics Gallery
Exhibits various archaeological artifacts such as an octagonal stone statue of Marichi Devi, a large black stone Shivalinga, a bronze Khasaparna Buddha statue, gold and silver coins, and copper coins from Sri Lankan, British, and Sultanate periods.