Only two days are left before the inauguration of the “July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum,” as the interim government earlier announced it would be inaugurated on 5 August this year. But it is far from ready, as almost 60%-70% of the works remains undone, which indicates it might not be possible to launch within the stipulated time.

The museum is being established by converting the Ganabhaban, once the official residence of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to preserve the memory of the uprising.

Earlier, the government formed a 16-member Advisory committee to transform Ganabhaban into a museum.

Abdul Halim Chanchal, a member of the advisory committee and the director of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, told the Daily Sun, “The inauguration of the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum is not possible on 5 August. Initially it was planned for August but now postponed.”

“The structural work began in June but the museum’s design is vast which would require at least two years. We had an initial plan to complete at least one part of the museum by August, but heavy rains and other uncertain incidences hindered the process,” he added.

Mentioning the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is handful with organizing several programmes in July and August, he said, “We are hopeful to inaugurate the museum in December after completing a substantial portion.”

Tanjim Wahab, another advisory committee member and Director of the Shilpakala Academy, told the Daily Sun, “The opening of the museum will likely be postponed due to ongoing uncertainties and incomplete work.”

On the contrary, many committee members are completely unaware about the progress of the July Memorial Museum as they are no longer actively involved with the museum committee.

Bayezid Mahbub Khandaker, committee member and Lead architect said, “I am no longer actively involved with the museum committee, having been out of the country.” “I was at the last meeting eight or nine months ago, and I haven't been there since,” he added.

Architect Tanjim Hassan Selim, another member of the museum’s advisory committee for implementation, said, “The committee does not held regular meetings and I am unaware of recent developments. I attended a meeting 3-4 months ago.” There is lack of coordination as many members seem unaware of key details. And some think that only a few core individuals possess the main information. However, in this regard, Chanchal said, “Meetings are being held regularly. The last meeting was held at the beginning of last month. Then there were meetings even before the physical work started. And now the work is divided. Those who have work to do are constantly meeting.”

Visiting the site, it was seen that the whole area of the Ganabhaban was surrounded with iron-steel fences and strong security was being maintained. No one was allowed to enter the area except people who are involved with the construction works. Even, press and media were not allowed to enter.