The interim government’s Advisory Council has decided to transform Gonobhaban, the former official residence of Sheikh Hasina, into a museum to commemorate the student-led mass uprising that led to the fall of the Hasina-led government on August 5.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Advisory Council at the Chief Adviser’s Office, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, on Thursday.

“Visible steps will be taken soon,” said Asif Mahmud, Adviser for Youth and Sports, and Labour Affairs, during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, and Apurba Jahangir were also present.

Mahmud mentioned that they would look at examples from other countries to guide the creation of the memorial museum and ensure it remains open to the public. "We intend to keep Gonobhaban as it is and establish a museum within it," he added.

He emphasized that Gonobhaban never truly became a “people’s building” and that it was "won by the students and common people through their uprising." The site will be kept open to the public and will serve as a reminder of the martyrs, the struggles, and the injustices perpetrated by the previous government.

The Ministries of Housing and Public Works and Foreign Affairs will jointly oversee the initiative's implementation.

Thursday marked one month since Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister, resigned amid a massive student-led uprising and fled to India, leaving a temporary leadership vacuum. The country remained in a state of lawlessness until Nobel laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus returned from Paris and was sworn in as Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8, a decision supported by the student leaders and the military.

Hasina’s exit was so sudden that she had only 45 minutes to leave Gonobhaban, which was soon taken over by jubilant protesters. The student protests initially began in July over a controversial quota system in government jobs, which was seen as favoring individuals connected to Hasina’s party.