Hello Local Guides👋
Today is my Birthday🎂 and to make the day a bit more special, I decided to explore the Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram . The visit turned out to be both refreshing and enlightening. As I walked through the museum, I discovered many fascinating aspects of our nation’s history. I’m delighted to share a glimpse of that experience with you all.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DiyuCfWMHrsA69H67
Location: Circuit House Road, Chawk Bazar, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
Zia Memorial Museum, also known as Old Circuit House was a circuit house building. Ziaur Rahman, the seventh president of Bangladesh, was assassinated in the building in 1981. Today it is a museum. It is located in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Summary of Chittagong Circuit House:
The Chittagong Circuit House was built in 1913 during British rule as a residential building for government officials. In 1954, it became the broadcasting center for Radio Pakistan. During the Liberation War in 1971, the Pakistan Army used it as a military base and torture center, where many Bengalis were tortured and killed.
On December 17, 1971, after the Pakistani army surrendered, the flag of Bangladesh was hoisted here. Later, on May 30, 1981, President Ziaur Rahman was assassinated in this building by a group of army officers.
Four days after his death, the government decided to turn the building into a museum, which was inaugurated in 1993. As of 2025, the museum remains closed and the building is in a vulnerable state due to lack of maintenance and government funding.
Zia Memorial Museum with Radisson Blu Hotel
Museum Presentation:
- The museum is organized into several rooms, each portraying different phases of Ziaur Rahman’s life and career.
- One room has a projector where a short documentary is shown.
- Most exhibits have labels or captions, though the descriptions could be clearer or more detailed.
Galleries of Zia Memorial Museum
The Zia Memorial Museum features a total of 17 galleries, each highlighting different phases of President Ziaur Rahman’s life and legacy.
- Gallery 1: Zia’s Pre-Liberation Life
- Gallery 2: Declaration of Independence
- Galleries 3, 4 & 5: The Liberation War
- Gallery 6: Zia as Army Commander
- Galleries 7 & 8: Zia the Politician
- Gallery 9: Zia the Statesman
- Gallery 10: Self-Reliant Bangladesh
- Gallery 11: SAARC Gallery
- Gallery 12: Zia in Publications
- Galleries 13, 14 & 15: Zia’s Foreign Visits
- Gallery 16: The Martyrdom Room
- Gallery 17: The Final Journey
A new administrative building has been constructed at the rear of the building built in 2006. A seminar hall and library have been set up in this building. But visitors are prohibited from entering here.
Sculpture of Ziaur Rahman
Entry Ticket
- General visitors-20/- Taka, Child (under 12 year’s) - 10/- Taka
- SAARC countries citizen- 300/-Taka
- Foreigners/other countries citizen- 500/- Taka
- Disabled person – No entry fees.
What I Liked:
- Quiet and well-maintained environment.
- Strong sense of historical presence.
- Security and access were managed smoothly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited photography allowed inside.
- Presentation lacks interactive or modern elements.
- A more balanced historical narrative would be appreciated.
Final Thoughts:
For anyone interested in Bangladesh’s political history or in exploring places where key national events occurred, this museum is worth a visit. Allocate at least 45 minutes to 1 hour to properly explore the premises.
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to you buddy! 