Why Ganabhaban Should Become a Museum: Explanation from Deputy Press Secretary to Chief Advisor

Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, the Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, has publicly explained the reasoning behind the proposal to convert Ganabhaban, the Prime Minister’s residence, into a museum.

In a verified Facebook post on Friday, October 3, Majumder responded to growing public questions and criticisms surrounding the move. He clarified that Ganabhaban was never officially designated as the Prime Minister’s residence by the government; rather, it was originally the state guest house “Karatoya”, which was later repurposed.

Referring to its historical legacy, Majumder wrote, “At one point, this very building was the site of planning for enforced disappearances, killings, looting — including the infamous July Massacre.”

To justify the transformation, he cited global examples where historically significant or tragic sites were turned into museums or memorials:

Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland , Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan Củ Chi tunnels in Vietnam

Gettysburg Battlefield in the United States , Robben Island prison in South Africa, where Nelson Mandela was held

Jallianwala Bagh in India , Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

Majumder argued that these sites serve to educate future generations and preserve the memory of pivotal events. He concluded that those objecting to Ganabhaban becoming a museum are likely those who minimize the July Massacre or harbor hopes for the return of those responsible.