Liberation War Museum
Dhaka
The Liberation War Museum in Dhaka commemorates the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, which led to the country's independence from Pakistan. Established in 1996 through a citizen-driven initiative, the museum preserves over 21,000 artifacts including weapons, personal belongings, and remains from the conflict. The museum's exhibits trace Bangladesh's early history, the Language Movement, and the political tensions that escalated into the war. Key galleries detail the Mukti Bahini guerrilla resistance, the genocide by Pakistani forces, and India's critical intervention. The museum relocated to a modern, spacious building in Agargaon in 2017, offering 3,500 square meters of gallery space. Beyond exhibitions, it actively engages in educational programs, seminars, and cultural events to promote awareness of Bangladesh's liberation struggle. The museum stands as a testament to the resilience and collective memory of the Bangladeshi people.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to allocate ample time to explore the extensive galleries fully. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but checking the official website for any special exhibitions or educational events in advance is recommended. The museum offers educational outreach programs, making it ideal for students and history enthusiasts. Discounts may be available for groups and students.
Interesting facts
- •The museum holds over 21,000 artifacts related to the 1971 Liberation War, including human remains from mass graves.
- •It is a crowd-funded institution, independent of the Bangladeshi government, highlighting citizen involvement.
- •The museum's galleries cover the Language Movement, considered the beginning of Bangladesh's independence struggle.
- •The new building opened in 2017 provides 3,500 square meters of gallery space, significantly larger than the original venue.
- •It hosts regular educational programs, seminars, and art exhibitions related to the Liberation War.
History
The Liberation War Museum was founded in 1996 by a group of eight trustees aiming to preserve the memory of the 1971 Liberation War.
Initially limited by space, the museum collected artifacts through public donations and community contributions.
In 2009, an architectural competition led to the design of a new building, which was constructed in Agargaon and officially opened in 2017.
This relocation allowed for expanded exhibits and enhanced visitor facilities, reflecting the museum's growth as a key cultural institution in Bangladesh.
Place Guide
Historical Galleries
These galleries chronologically present Bangladesh's early history, the Language Movement, and the political developments leading to the Liberation War, including the rise of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Liberation War Exhibits
Displays include weapons used by the Mukti Bahini guerrilla fighters, personal belongings of combatants and victims, and human remains from mass graves revealing the atrocities committed.
New Museum Building2017
The modern facility in Agargaon, opened in 2017, offers expansive gallery space and improved visitor amenities, designed by architects Tanzim Hasan Salim and Naheed Farzana.
Educational and Cultural Programs
The museum organizes outreach programs for schools, seminars, and art exhibitions, including collaborations with artists to commemorate the Liberation War.
