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Museum that heralds the history of a movement

Bhasha Andolon Museum doing it for about two decades without any state support

Shahnaz Parveen
Despite limitations and lack of support from the government, the Bhasha Andolan Museum, established to preserve the memories of the historic Language Movement of 1952, carries on its efforts to enlighten the younger generation about the glorious past of the nation.
Started with small collections in 1989, the museum on Dhanmondi road-10 has some rare evidence of the historical episode that include photographs, documents, paper clippings, memorabilia of the martyrs and those who fought for the mother tongue.
"State is the responsible party to uphold the history of a nation. Since they did not come
forward with any effort even after 55 years of the language movement, someone has to take the initiative," said MR Mahbub, director ofthemuseum.
"A museum on our Bhasha Andolan [Language Movement] is necessary for the new generation to learn more about the language movement. We only remember the episode when February comes. We have to do more than that," he noted.
"The history is gradually fading away. The Bhasha Shoiniks [Language Movement veterans] who could tell the next generation about our glorious past, will no longer be with us. We have already lost many of them. So we must bring together their memories and the important evidence of the move-
ment," said Mahbub.
The museum has separate sections on research, exhibition, documentation, computer and film, publications and library, and administration, operated by enthusiastic volunteers.
Currently the museum has in its display the memorabilia, portraits and biographies of 30 Language Movement veterans, political leaders, student leaders and intellectuals who have made an immense contribution to our the movement.
The same volunteers have been collecting the valuable items for the last 17 years.
Original copies of newspapers including Saptahik Shoinik, which was considered the voice of the movement at that time, pamphlets and manu-
scripts are on display.
The research centre comprises a library with a large number of books, archives, documentaries, diaries and written documents of the Language Movement
The museum so far published 10 books related to the movement. A 2500-page encyclopaedia on the Language Movement is now in the final stage of publication.
The museum also made a documentary film with rare interviews of 20 Language Movement veterans who have already passed away.
Photographs donated by Mohammad Taqiullah, Mohammad Amanul Haque and Professor Rafiqul Islam are on display, portraying the movement from 1948 to 1952. The museum authorities said many of these photographs are the only available documents of demonstrations and processions by the students violating Section 144 in the Dhaka University area on February 21,1952.
MA Barnik, a researcher on the Language Movement first initi ated the idea of establishing such a museum. The journey of live museum however was not smooth, The initiative got stumbled several times for lack of space, fundingand helpinghand.
Its office was first set up at Lalmatia, then it was moved to Dhanmondi Hawkers’ Market.
Finally on May 7, 2006 the museum started again with a fresh inspiration when Kazi Golam Mahbub Foundation Trust offered a place on Dhanmondi road -10.
A part of the residence of Peari Mahbub, wife of late Language Movement veteran Kazi Golam Mahbub who was one of the founding members of the museum committee, was allotted for the research centre and Bhasha Andolan Museum.
"I want to carry out what my husband started. 1 want ro materialise his dream," said Peari Mahbub, currently chairman of the museum.
"However, such a crucial and gigantic task cannot be done with private initiative only. We need assistance from the government and the general people," she added.
On request from the museum authorities, the Dhaka City Corporation in 2006 promised to donate a piece of land. However, the promise still remains unfulfilled.