National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has said that the July Memorial Museum should preserve the history of the nation rather than promote any particular political party’s narrative.

He made the remarks while briefing journalists after visiting the July Memorial Museum on Saturday (August 8). Nahid also expressed frustration over the removal of materials related to border killings, the Felani Khatun murder, and anti-Modi protests from the museum.

He said the history of the July uprising should not be confined to a partisan narrative. The museum should more comprehensively document the different stages of the July movement, the role of people outside Dhaka, private university and madrasa students, and the contributions of those who were killed.

Regarding Ganabhaban, Nahid said the site had been used as the official residence of the prime minister for many years and had a direct connection with various decisions taken during the previous 16 years. He said the location should preserve memories of repression, resistance and victory.

Nahid further said much of the museum’s work had been completed during the interim government and it had been ready for inauguration. However, it took nearly another five months after the current government assumed office. He said they had repeatedly raised the issue inside and outside parliament and demanded that the museum be opened as soon as possible.