Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has urged that the July Memorial Museum serve as a venue for national historical discourse rather than partisan narratives. He emphasized that the museum should present the true facts, allowing everyone to embrace them. Islam made these remarks to journalists on Saturday after inspecting the museum, located at Gono Bhaban, shortly after 11 AM.
Islam alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made all autocratic decisions, including those related to looting people and money, from the very Gono Bhaban now housing the museum. He noted that the interim government had planned its conversion into a museum, and the NCP had frequently advocated for its opening both inside and outside parliament. He also mentioned that he had visited the site before and observed certain changes implemented by the government following the elections.
The NCP convener further claimed that segments detailing border killings and anti-Modi movements have been removed from the museum's exhibits. Conversely, he argued that the struggles of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been disproportionately highlighted. Islam asserted that India was complicit in the fascism that prevailed in Bangladesh over the past 16 years, suggesting that the BNP might be apprehensive of India. He speculated that the current government believes these actions will help maintain good relations with India, but stressed that relations should be dignified, not merely good or bad.
Islam called for a more comprehensive display of the memories related to the July uprising, suggesting that contributions from various districts, universities, and private universities should be included chronologically. He pointed out that the museum repeatedly features central or well-known figures. He stated that the NCP has brought these issues to the attention of those responsible for the museum, highlighting the lack of sufficient manpower and reiterating their parliamentary call for the museum to operate autonomously. Islam concluded that the museum should be managed by individuals who truly embody the spirit of the July uprising.
NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and other central leaders were present during the visit.