Old Dhaka jail museum to open Nov 2-5 to exhibit Bangabandhu, 4 leaders' photos

The authorities for the first time will keep Bangabandhu memorial museum open for public at old Dhaka central jail on Najim Uddin Road by holding an exhibition of rare photographs of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders -- Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, Captain Mansur Ali and AHM Quamruzzaman -- on November 2-5.

This is a first-ever initiative to present the historic significance of the 228-year-old prison to public, Inspector General of Prisons Brig Gen Syed Iftekhar Uddin told reporters, while visiting the former jail yesterday.

The event “Sangrami Jibongatha” will feature 145 pictures.

Visitors will pay Tk 100 for entry for two hours. A documentary on the jail, letters written by Bangabandhu from prison will also be featured, he said.

“The money will be used for the children who live with their mothers in jail.”

He also announced that a three-year project is being planned to transform the jail premises into a museum and a recreation park.

“A spacious community centre with a swimming pool, a cineplex, eateries featuring the traditional delicacies of Old Dhaka, will be open to all.”

Bangabandhu spent a long time in the prison where the four national leaders were assassinated on November 3, 1975.