Nearly two years after the dramatic political upheaval that removed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from office, controversy continues to surround decisions taken during the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration. Among the most debated is the plan to convert Ganabhaban—the official residence of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister—into a museum. Critics contend that the move was motivated less by historical preservation than by political symbolism aimed at reshaping the country’s national narrative. Journalist and political commentator Manjurul Alam Panna has emerged as one of the most vocal opponents of the initiative, arguing that Ganabhaban must remain a functioning state institution rather than become a monument to political rivalry. Speaking to Blitz, Panna discusses the museum project, the legacy of the interim government, Bangladesh’s geopolitical challenges, and the direction of the country under the current administration.

Blitz: You recently posted on social media protesting the initiative to convert the Prime Minister’s official residence into a museum in Bangladesh. In what context was this decision taken, and how much funding has been allocated for the project and related activities?

Manjurul Alam Panna: Look, immediately after the events of August 5, 2024, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence at Dhanmondi 32, along with numerous Liberation War memorials and sculptures – symbols deeply connected to our national identity and history – were vandalized, demolished, and burned. Over the past two years, no meaningful initiative has been taken to restore those historic sites. Instead, efforts are underway to establish a new museum complex with numerous sculptures centered around the July movement, giving it a distinct and prominent place in the national narrative.

In my view, this clearly reflects a continuing attempt by the Yunus-led interim government to marginalize and erase the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The initiative to convert Ganabhaban into a museum is also part of that broader process.

Moreover, I see no justification for establishing such a museum across the vast hundred-acre Ganabhaban complex located in the heart of the capital. That is why I protested the decision publicly.

The proposed July Museum project has reportedly been estimated at around Tk 111 crore. There have already been allegations of large-scale corruption linked to the project, and reports of irregularities in recruitment processes have also emerged.

Blitz: What objective did Muhammad Yunus seek to achieve by converting the official residence of Bangladesh’s elected Prime Minister into a museum?

Manjurul Alam Panna: First of all, Ganabhaban was never Sheikh Hasina’s personal residence; it is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Therefore, I do not see any justification for converting it into a museum. In my opinion, the initiative is being used to........

© Blitz