An epicentre of Bangladesh’s birth
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March 6, he held one of the most crucial meetings in his political career with the four national leaders and student leaders, seeking counsel also from Begum Mujib.
Mujib defied the Pakistan authorities by hoisting the flag of independent Bangladesh atop this house on March 23, according to Afsan Chowdhury’s 1971 Oshohojog Andolon O Protirodh.
A few hours before the declaration of independence, he had a meeting with four central leaders of the Awami League and Dr Kamal Hossain at Dhanmondi 32 on March 25.
Late at night, the Pakistan army surrounded the house and arrested him. But before that, he declared independence through a trunk call.
The house remained unoccupied throughout the Liberation War. Before Mujib’s arrest, his family
had already relocated to a pre-arranged rented house.
In May 1971, the Pakistan authorities put several of his family members under house arrest when they were living in House Number 26 on Road Number 18 in Dhanmondi.
DHANMONDI HOME OVER GONO BHABAN
After liberation, Sheikh Mujib chose to live in his Dhanmondi house rather than in Gono Bhaban, the official residence of prime minister.
Journalist ABM Musa in his book titled “Mujib Bhai” notes that it was because of Begum Mujib, who wanted to maintain her own identity beyond the role of the prime minister’s wife.
In independent Bangladesh, this house hosted many international figures, including Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi, Egyptian president Anwar Sadat and Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito.
The walls of this house have witnessed tragedy too.
On the fateful night of August 15, 1975, the house became a scene of horror as Sheikh Mujib and 16 of his family members were assassinated in a military coup.
FROM HOME TO MUSEUM
After Bangabandhu’s assassination, the house was sealed off until 1981.
Meanwhile, the residence was put up for auction by the House Building Finance Corporation in June 1981. Sheikh Hasina, Mujib’s daughter, reclaimed its ownership upon her return to Bangladesh that year by paying Tk 12,000 in principal amount and interest.
Subsequently on August 14, 1994, the house was turned into a memorial museum after extensive renovation.
The museum was open to the public for the past 30 years, from August 1994 to August 5, 2024.
Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5 in the face of an uprising against her rule, most historical records, including books and memorabilia, were destroyed in an attack by a mob who vandalised and set almost everything on fire.
“While past regime changes have seen violence and vandalism, the extent of destruction this time is unprecedented,” said eminent history professor Muntasir Mamun.
“These incidents are a stark reminder of our nation’s alarming oblivion towards history. The Liberation War and Bangabandhu are the heritage of all Bangladeshis, and we will be held responsible by future generations for failing to safeguard these national symbols,” said Prof Muntasir, also president of 1971: Genocide-Torture Archive and Museum Trust.