Recreate 1971 Mujibnagar
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The Bangladesh Liberation War was not just a soldier's war but a people's war. Except a few collaborators, all the Bengalis under the leadership of the exiled Bangladesh government (Mujibnagar government) fought their own way against the occupation army. In the absence of Bangabandhu, formation of a Bangladesh government within only two weeks of 25th March by Tajuddin Ahmed and his trusted companions is historically the most important event in 1971. In spite of limited resources, facilities and bargaining power the Mujibnagar government consisting of the elected parliament members of the 1970 election - under Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed (and acting president Nazrul Islam, ministers AHM Kamruzaman and Mansur Ali, and C-in-C General MAG Osmani) prudently managed the nine months of wartime. The headquarters of the Mujibnagar Government (also Bangladesh war headquarters) was situated at 8, Theatre Road, Calcutta (later renamed Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata). And the centrepiece was the prime minister's humble living and office rooms. Momentous conferences and decisions were taken here despite continuous fear of Pakistani commando and air attacks. Now very few people know anything about Mujibnagar headquarters. In my long search I saw only 2-3 bad quality photographs of it. So, I would request the Liberation War Museum, Bangabandhu Museum, National Museum and other museums to precisely recreate the core 1971 Cabinet War Rooms and miniature replication of the Mujibnagar Government Headquarters (people who worked there are still alive). At least, the museums can display artefacts, photographs, documents and films related to Mujibnagar Government Headquarters in a separate gallery. The Bangladesh government may request the Indian government to hand over possession of that historic house to us. The young Bangladeshis should know what happened in 1971.
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