On a day meant to celebrate the nation’s independence, the Museum of Independence -- a symbol of Bangladesh’s Liberation War history -- stands silent, shuttered and scarred by vandalism, with no visitors and no clear reopening date.
The museum, located in Suhrawardy Udyan, remained closed on Thursday, even as the country marked Independence Day 2026.
Since August 5, 2024, when the then Awami League government fell, the museum has remained shut following a large-scale attack by a mob that looted and vandalized the underground facility.
Nearly two years later, there is still no confirmed timeline for reopening, although authorities indicate restoration may be completed by May or June this year.
A site frozen in damage
A recent visit to the museum paints a bleak picture.
The main gate remains locked, with no staff or visitors present. The premises are quiet, with visible signs of prolonged neglect.
The glass nameplate bearing “Museum of Independence” is missing.
The entrance ramp has been blocked with brick barricades, while graffiti reading “Gen-Z wants khalifah” is visible on the walls.
Terracotta installations on the outer walls were smashed during the attack, including depictions of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Broken fragments of these artworks still lie scattered across the site.
The water body in front of the museum is filled with stagnant, polluted water, further reflecting the lack of maintenance.
A regular visitor to Suhrawardy Udyan, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration over the situation.
“There are two issues here. First, Dhaka lacks enough recreational spaces. The museum and its surroundings were a great place to spend time and learn about history. The design and terracotta works were beautiful. But since August 5, it has remained closed. Even the debris hasn’t been cleared. It feels like neglect,” he said.
He added: “By vandalizing this museum, descendants of collaborators tried to erase our history of independence. The Liberation War is our identity, our pride. Yet, there seems to be no urgency from the authorities.”
“It’s been nearly two years, why hasn’t it been restored? Independence doesn’t belong to any one party; it belongs to all Bangladeshis. I hope the museum is reopened before the next Independence Day.”
An Ansar member stationed at the site confirmed the indefinite closure.
“It has been shut since August 5. There’s nothing left inside; everything was destroyed. I’ve been on duty here for the past seven to eight months. My job is to report if anyone tries to break in or cause further damage. The authorities will take action after that,” he said.
Calls for policy clarity
Mofidul Hoque, trustee of the Liberation War Museum, said the condition of the Museum of Independence requires a clear policy position from the government.
“Even if full reconstruction is not immediately feasible, the issue deserves priority. A clear and explicit stance from the government is essential,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
He said that the museum falls under the shared responsibility of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, the Public Works Department and the National Museum.
“Ultimately, coordination rests with the government. We expect a clear statement from them,” he said.
Hoque added that the immediate priority should be to stabilize the damaged site.
“First, the wounds must be addressed, then comes compensation. It is reasonable to expect steps from the government before Independence Day,” he said, expressing hope for progress.
Describing the attack as planned, he said the vandalism was not the result of a spontaneous mob.
“This is an underground museum, not located along a normal road. A particular group carried out this act in a coordinated manner,” he said, calling for a proper investigation.
“This was not just physical destruction, it was an attempt to erase a national symbol. Those responsible can be identified if there is a will. This is a criminal act, and accountability must be ensured.”
Plans for reopening
National Museum Director General Tanzim Ibn Wahab said efforts are underway to reopen the museum, though not by March 26.
“We are working on reorganizing and redeveloping the content. Architects are currently engaged in redesigning the space. We hope to reopen the museum this year, around May or June,” he said.
He added that much of the damaged exhibits cannot be restored.
“Everything has to be recreated. Glass displays and installations were damaged. Whatever could be salvaged has been preserved in storage, but the curation now has to be done from scratch,” he said.
Given the historical importance of the Liberation War, he noted that the process requires careful handling.
“This is our most important history. The work will take at least another two to three months,” he added.
When asked about legal action over the vandalism, Wahab said none has been initiated so far.
“We have conducted a detailed assessment of the damage, but no legal action has been taken,” he said.
Once a symbol of national memory and pride, the Museum of Independence now stands as a stark reminder of both the country’s past and the fragility of preserving it.