July Museum Bridges Past and Future, Inspires New Bangladesh: Prof Yunus

Published: 05 August 2026, 02:24 PM
Prof Muhammad Yunus
Prof Muhammad Yunus © TDC

Former Interim Government Chief Adviser and Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus described the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum as a vital bridge between Bangladesh's past and future, stating that it has opened "a new chapter" in the nation's history by preserving the spirit of the 2024 uprising and inspiring future generations to rebuild the country.

Addressing a discussion titled "July 36" as a special guest following the museum's inauguration at Ganobhaban, Prof Yunus emphasized that the institution stands out from conventional global museums because it documented a defining historical milestone almost immediately after it unfolded.

Preserving History in Real-Time

Highlighting the unique nature of the memorial, Prof Yunus noted that traditional museums around the world typically archive artifacts from the distant past, whereas this institution captured the living memory of a national transformation in real time.

"This museum stands between the past and the future. It has preserved the past instantly, but it has also created the future. It tells us who we are, what we wanted, and what kind of Bangladesh we dreamed of building," Prof Yunus stated.

A Directional Compass for the Nation

The former interim government head emphasized that the museum will serve as a guiding beacon whenever the country encounters political or social uncertainty.

"If we ever lose our way, we will come here to find our path. If confusion clouds our thinking, we will rediscover our direction here and begin our journey anew," he added.

Referring to a handwritten farewell letter left by July uprising martyr Shariar Khan Anas, Prof Yunus reflected on the profound courage of the youth who took to the streets without a script, driven purely by the conviction that Bangladesh deserved a better future.

A Living Cultural Hub for Future Generations

Prof Yunus urged students and youth from schools, colleges, and universities nationwide to visit the museum not merely as tourists, but as active participants in shaping the nation's trajectory:

  • Reflective Engagement: Encouraged visitors to contemplate the responsibilities resting on their shoulders and record their personal visions for Bangladesh.

  • Cultural Space: Envisioned the museum evolving into a vibrant center where young people express democratic aspirations through literature, music, art, and creative works.

  • Honoring Martyrs: Noted that the symbolic graves on the premises tell the individual stories of ordinary sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Dignitaries Attend Inauguration at Ganobhaban

The museum—established at Ganobhaban, the former official residence from which ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled on August 5, 2024—was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as chief guest.

The discussion featured addresses by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, PM's Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman, and Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula.

Prominent leaders present included LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Power & Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Zaima Rahman, service chiefs, foreign diplomats, civil society representatives, and families of July martyrs.