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The Zia Memorial Museum is housed in the old Chittagong Circuit House, a beautiful colonial building constructed in 1913 on a small hill.
This building has witnessed some of the most important events in Bangladesh's history.
Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to the memory of President Ziaur Rahman, who was tragically killed here in 1981.
The British built this circuit house in 1913 as a residence for visiting government officials.
In 1954, Radio Pakistan started broadcasting from this building.
During the 1971 Liberation War, the Pakistani army used it as their military base and sadly turned some rooms into torture cells.
After liberation on December 17, 1971, the Bangladesh flag was raised here for the first time in Chittagong.
On May 30, 1981, President Ziaur Rahman was staying in Room No.
4 of this circuit house during his visit to Chittagong.
That night, he was killed in a military coup.
Shortly after, the government decided to convert this historic building into a memorial museum.
It was officially opened to the public on September 6, 1993.
The museum is a branch of Bangladesh National Museum and houses over 1,000 artifacts across 17 galleries.
It tells the complete story of Ziaur Rahman's life - from his time before the Liberation War, his role in the war itself, his presidency, and his tragic death.
The museum preserves the actual room where he was killed, along with the bullet marks on the wall.
One of the most important items here is the original microphone and transmitter from Kalurghat Radio Center.
This is the very equipment that Ziaur Rahman used to broadcast the Declaration of Independence on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 27, 1971.
History enthusiasts can also explore the nearby Bangladesh Maritime Museum for naval history or the Ethnological Museum for cultural heritage.
The Zia Memorial Museum has affordable entry fees for all visitors:
The museum has different opening hours for different days:
During the holy month of Ramadan, the museum operates with reduced hours:
If you are short on time, a quick visit of 1 to 1.5 hours will let you see the main highlights.
You can walk through the key galleries, see the famous Kalurghat transmitter, and visit Gallery 16 (the assassination room).
This is enough for a basic understanding but you will miss many details.
A standard visit of 2 to 2.5 hours is ideal for most visitors.
This gives you enough time to explore all 17 galleries properly, read the important information plaques, take photos, and spend time reflecting at significant spots.
You can appreciate the artifacts without feeling rushed.
For history students, researchers, or those genuinely interested in Bangladesh's political history, plan for 3 to 4 hours.
This allows you to read every plaque, study all photographs and documents, take detailed notes, and use the library for additional research.
You can fully absorb the historical significance of each gallery.
The best time to visit Zia Memorial Museum is from November to March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable.
Since the museum is indoors and air-conditioned, you can visit any time of year, but the journey to get there is more pleasant in winter.
A visit to the museum is very affordable.
Here's what you'll pay:
For a budget-conscious solo visitor from Chittagong city:
For a comfortable solo visit:
For a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children):
The Zia Memorial Museum is located on Shahid Saifuddin Khaled Road in the Kotwali area of Chittagong city.
The building sits on a small hilltop, making it easy to spot.
The address is 8RXF+7HR, Shahid Saifuddin Khaled Rd, Chattogram.
After visiting Zia Memorial Museum, explore other historical attractions in Chittagong:
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Foy's Lake is a beautiful man-made lake tucked away in the green hills of Chittagong. Created in 1924 by building a dam across a stream flowing down from the northern hills, this lake has been a beloved spot for locals and visitors for almost a century. It was named after Mr. Foy, a British railway engineer who helped design the dam. **A Lake with History** Originally, the lake was built to supply water to the nearby railway colony. Over the decades, it grew into one of Chittagong's most popular recreational spots. The calm waters surrounded by lush green hills create a peaceful escape from the busy city life. In 2004, [Concord Group](https://concordgroup.com.bd/) transformed the area into a full entertainment complex, adding an amusement park, water park, and resort. **Three Parks in One** Today, Foy's Lake Concord is a 320-acre entertainment destination with three main attractions. The Dry Park has carnival rides like roller coasters, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, coffee cup rides, and a train. Sea World Concord is a water park with wave pools, splash zones, water slides, and a water coaster. Foy's Lake Resort offers comfortable lakeside cottages and chalets for those who want to stay overnight. **Natural Beauty Meets Modern Fun** What makes Foy's Lake special is the mix of natural beauty and modern entertainment. You can enjoy thrilling rides, then take a peaceful boat trip on the lake surrounded by green hills. The sunset views over the water are especially beautiful. Batali Hill, the highest point in Chittagong city, stands right next to the lake, and the Chittagong Zoo is just beside it. **A Place for Everyone** Whether you're looking for a fun family day out, a romantic getaway, or an adventure with friends, Foy's Lake has something for you. It's a popular spot for school picnics, corporate events, birthday parties, and even weddings. For more family-friendly attractions, visit [Chittagong Butterfly Park](/tourist-places/chittagong-butterfly-park) or head to [Patenga Beach](/tourist-places/patenga-beach) for sunset views.
**Bangladesh's First Eco Park** Sitakunda Eco Park is a special place - it was the first eco park ever built in Bangladesh. Opened on January 17, 2001, this massive 808-hectare park sits at the foot of Chandranath Hill, just 35 kilometers from Chittagong city. It combines a botanical garden with an eco park, giving you the best of both worlds. **A Poetic History** This beautiful area inspired one of Bangladesh's most famous poems. When the legendary poet [Kazi Nazrul Islam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazi_Nazrul_Islam) visited Sitakunda and saw its hills meeting the sea and waterfalls, he wrote the immortal song "Akashe Helan Diye Pahar Ghumay Oi" (The hills lean against the sky and sleep). A sculpture of Nazrul now stands in the park to honor this memory. **Two Stunning Waterfalls** The park is home to two beautiful waterfalls: - **Suptadhara** (The Sleeping Waterfall): A peaceful cascade hidden in the hills, reached by climbing about 500 stairs - **Sahasradhara** (The Thousand Streams): A taller waterfall with a scenic lake at its base where you can take boat rides Both waterfalls come alive during monsoon season when water flows at full force. **A Botanical Treasure** The 1,000-acre botanical garden section features: - An Orchid House with 50 different species of local and foreign orchids - Rare medicinal plants like Arjun, Chapalish, and Jarul - Thousands of colorful flowering plants - A man-made lake created by damming the waterfall streams **Gateway to Adventure** Sitakunda Eco Park is the starting point for treks to [Chandranath Temple](/tourist-places/chandranath-temple) at the hilltop - one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites in Bangladesh. The area combines hills, sea, and waterfalls - a rare natural combination that draws over 300,000 visitors every year. After your adventure here, you can unwind at [Foy's Lake](/tourist-places/foys-lake) or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby [Bhatiary Golf & Country Club](/tourist-places/bhatiary-golf-country-club).
**A Window Into Bangladesh's Naval Heritage** The Bangladesh Maritime Museum is a unique destination that brings the country's seafaring history to life. Run by the [Bangladesh Navy](https://www.navy.mil.bd/), this museum takes you on a journey through the nation's rich relationship with the sea and rivers. **What Makes It Special** Located on Naval Avenue Road in Chittagong's Kazir Dewri area, the museum sits in the old seamanship class building. The moment you step inside, you'll notice the distinctive ocean-blue lighting that creates an underwater feel throughout the building. **Three Floors of Discovery** The museum spreads across three floors, each telling a different part of the maritime story: - Ground floor features a beautiful soil-crafted map of Bangladesh showing all divisions and rivers - Second floor displays naval weapons, missiles, and warship replicas - Third floor showcases Navy uniforms, badges, and information about maritime education **More Than Just Displays** What sets this museum apart is how it connects the sea to everyday life. You'll learn about: - How Bangladesh's seaports drive the economy - The Navy's role in protecting our waters - Marine life through aquarium displays - The history of navigation and sailing Whether you're interested in ships, curious about naval history, or just looking for something different to do in Chittagong, this museum offers an eye-opening experience for visitors of all ages. If you enjoy museums, the [Ethnological Museum](/tourist-places/ethnological-museum) and [Zia Memorial Museum](/tourist-places/zia-memorial-museum) are other great options in the city.
**Where Ships Meet the Sea** The Patenga Container Terminal View offers one of the most unique sights in Bangladesh - a front-row seat to watch giant cargo ships from around the world. Located where the [Karnaphuli River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnaphuli_River) meets the Bay of Bengal, this spot lets you see the busiest port in the country up close. **A Working Wonder** [Chittagong Port](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagong_Port) handles about 90% of Bangladesh's import-export trade, making it the country's lifeline to the world. From this viewpoint, you can watch massive container ships waiting to dock, gantry cranes swinging their arms to load and unload cargo, and smaller boats weaving through the busy waterway. **The New Patenga Terminal** In 2024, the Patenga Container Terminal started operations - the first new terminal in 17 years. Built at a cost of over 1,200 crore taka on 26 acres, it can handle ships up to 200 meters long carrying 4,500 containers. Watching these modern operations is truly impressive. **A Visual Treat** The view changes throughout the day: - Morning brings fresh activity as ships prepare for the day - Afternoon shows the busiest cargo movements - Sunset creates stunning silhouettes of anchored vessels - Night transforms the scene with glowing ship lights and the port lit up like a city **More Than Just Ships** You'll also spot airplanes landing at nearby Shah Amanat Airport flying overhead, fishing boats heading out to sea, and the Bangladesh Naval Academy in the distance. It's a place where industry, nature, and daily life all come together. After watching the ships, many visitors head to nearby [Patenga Beach](/tourist-places/patenga-beach) for a relaxing sunset experience, or take a [Karnaphuli River Cruise](/tourist-places/karnaphuli-river-cruise-area) for a different perspective of the waterway.