Abul Barkat Memorial Museum and Library

21^st February is a memorable day for Bangladeshis as many young people sacrificed their life for their mother tongue in that day.21^st February is observed as international mother language day all over the world. On February 21, 1952, a procession from Dhaka University started against Urdu language imposition on Bengalis even though there was a curfew set by the government.

fig: Collected

Abul Barkat was one of the students who were actively engaged in language movement. Abul barkat was a recent graduate from Political Science background. He was a young person aged 24 years only. Pakistani  forces fired on the agitators in front of Dhaka Medical College and Abul Barkat was one of those who were martyred that day.The West Pakistan government used its forces to clamp down the language movement. Barkat was taken to Dhaka medical college after he was injured but he died there. He was buried in Azimpur graveyard. His mother Hasina Begum later inaugurated the Shaheed minar in 1963.Abul Barkat was awarded the Ekushey Padak in the year of 2000 for his sacrifice.A museum was also opened in Dhaka University on 25^th March,2012 in his honour. Abul Barkat Memorial  Museum is made in the honor of all  the language martyrs.

The Museum and Library The memorial complex is two storied. Ground floor of the complex is an open space where photographs and documents are showcased ranging from 1947 to 1952.People can get a whole, contextual idea on the history of the language movement. At the entrance, there is a huge photograph of language martyr Abul Barkat. Moreover there is a short biography written in the mosaic wall. The wall space is adorned with photographs collected over the years. Visitors get an idea on how much sacrifice they had to do for upholding the respect of Bengali language. The museum authority helps groups specially the students who visit there for field trips. Other visitors also get help if they want to know any kind of information. This memorial complex actually consists of a library, a gallery of photographs of the language movement and a seminar hall. This complex was inaugurated in 2012.Bangladesh government funded the project. A Digital information booth can be found beside the stairs. In the second floor, there is a library where shelves are stacked with books on Language movements and liberation war. Books can be bought from there.

When is it open This museum is open every day except Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM. There is no entry fee and no ticket is required to enter the museum complex. Special video programs are arranged for the students from the month of December to March so that young students become aware of the language movement which eventually led to liberation war. Sometimes the museum authority also organizes art and painting competetions.

Location of the museum The museum is located in the polashi intersection in the Dhaka university area. From any part of Dhaka city, Buses and taxis are available by which this complex can be reached. This museum and library is an important asset for Bangladesh.

Google Map: Click Here   “Cleanliness is the key to healthy life”  

Article by

Rashid-Ul-Karim Siyam

Information Collected