Once a heavily guarded palace in Dhaka, the former residence of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is now being transformed into a public museum. This change is meant to remind future generations about the people's resistance to what many called her autocratic rule.

Photos of citizens waving flags and climbing the rooftop of Ganabhaban Palace went viral on August 5, 2024. That was the day Hasina fled by helicopter to India, following massive student-led protests that ended her government. These images captured a turning point in Bangladesh's history.

One year after her fall, the nation of 170 million people remains politically tense. Still, the new museum aims to preserve the public's fight for justice. Graffiti from protesters, such as "Freedom" and "We want justice," have been left untouched on palace walls.

During her rule, international reports documented widespread human rights abuses. The United Nations reported up to 1,400 deaths in July and August 2024 alone, as Hasina struggled to stay in power through violence and fear.

Now facing trial in Dhaka for crimes against humanity, Hasina has refused to appear in court. Though she denies the charges, messages like "Dictator" and "Killer Hasina" are being preserved in the museum as evidence of public outrage.

Muhammad Yunus, the 85-year-old Nobel laureate and current interim leader, said the museum will serve as a reminder of the people's courage in standing up to oppression and reclaiming their freedom.

Source: https://trt.global/world/article/b5116a65d5af