Language Movement Museum

Language Movement Museum was established in Dhaka in 1989 to preserve data and information on history of the language movement, memories of the language martyrs and language veterans. An organising committee was formed at the initiative of Professor MA Barnik with Professor Mirza Mazharul Islam as the convener. The museum started its formal operations on 2 June 1989.

Initially the museum was set up at the Lalmatia residence of Dr Nurul Haque Bhuiyan. Later on, it was shifted to the residence of Professor Abul Kashem at 16, West End Street, Dhanmondi, then to Dhanmondi Hawkers' Market and in 2006 finally to the present location, residence of Kazi Golam Mahbub. Setting up of a separate exhibition gallery and other activities of the museum got new impetus due to the financial assistance provided by Kazi Golam Mahbub Foundation Trust. The ongoing and implemented major programmes of the museum include: (a) Collection and preservation of the language movement Weekly Sainik and the periodical Nao-belal published from Sylhet as well as other contemporary periodicals. Publication of informative books on the subject of history of language movement is also being preserved. (b) Collection of important books and periodicals on the language movement for establishing a rich library. (c) Campaign for the promotion of a book Promita Bangla Barshapanji written by Muhammad Takiullah based on the Barshapanji of Dr Muhammad Shahidullah published by the Language Movement Museum. (d) There were no photographs of the language martyr Ohiullah; artist Shyamal Biswas was assigned to make a portrait of Ohiullah. (e) The exhibition gallery of the museum was opened on 17 February 2007. (f) Programmes are underway to take interviews (reminiscences) of the language veterans who are still alive as well as collect mementos on the language veterans and martyrs. (g) Mementos and memorabilia are being collected from the families of language martyrs and language veterans, individuals and institutions who were involved with that movement. [MR Mahbub]