Zia Memorial Museum to be declared heritage site soon: Finance Minister

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that the Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram would be officially declared a heritage site soon to ensure its permanent preservation and comprehensive renovation.

He made the announcement while speaking to journalistsafter inspecting the museum premises adjacent to the Chattogram Circuit House on Friday, March 20.

During the inspection, Khasru noted that several key installations related to the Liberation War, including the Zia Memorial Museum, had not received the historical significance and attention they deserved in recent years.

"This museum is a vital heritage asset for our nation," the minister said. "It is imperative that we undertake immediate conservation and development work to protect it for future generations."

He further emphasised that infrastructural upgrades would be prioritized to provide the youth with an accurate and well-documented perspective on the country's history.

Khasru highlighted that the museum is deeply intertwined with the memory of the late President Ziaur Rahman and holds a significant place in the narrative of Bangladesh’s independence. He expressed concern that prolonged administrative neglect had placed these invaluable historical memories at risk of deterioration.

"It is our collective responsibility to safeguard the relics and sites of the Liberation War," he added, calling for a unified effort to protect the nation's historical heritage.

The Ministry of Planning is expected to coordinate with relevant departments to expedite the formal heritage status and begin structural restoration shortly.

MRAH/MHK