Liberation War Museum, museums, Dhaka, Bangladesh

With an eternal flame burning at its entrance, the Liberation War Museum is dedicated to the memory of the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during the Bangladesh Liberation War which took place from 26 March to 16 December 1971. Located in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, the museum opened its doors to the public on 22 March 1996 inviting visitors to view the extensive collection of items relating to this turbulent period of the country’s history which resulted in East Pakistan becoming the independent nation of Bangladesh.

The museum was started by community leaders who wanted to honor and preserve this event in the history of Bangladesh. The project grew as community members began donating mementoes, documents and other items relating to the Liberation War, as well as making donations for the funding of the museum. The Liberation War Museum currently has six galleries, with the first documenting the customs and traditions of Bengal and the country’s struggle against colonial control. The second gallery focuses on the period of Pakistani rule, highlighting the resistance against the economic, political and cultural oppression of the people of East Pakistan. The third gallery documents the genocide of 1971, as well as the resistance and declaration of independence. The plight of war refugees is highlighted as part of this gallery. The three galleries on the second floor of the building offer insight into the trials and tribulations faced by the people of East Pakistan in their struggle for independence.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions at the museum building, the Liberation War Museum operates a mobile mini-museum which calls at schools in different regions of Bangladesh to acquaint the younger generation with the heroic struggle that resulted in the independence of the country they call home.

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