Zia Memorial Museum

District:Chittagong•Division:Chittagong

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About

A Historic Building with a Powerful Story

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 Building's Journey Through History

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.

The Tragic Event of 1981

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.

What Makes This Museum Special

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.

A Key Piece of Liberation War History

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.

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Entry Fees

The Zia Memorial Museum has affordable entry fees for all visitors:

Bangladeshi Visitors

•General visitors: ৳20 per person

•Children (under 12): ৳10 per person

•Children under 3: Free

SAARC Country Citizens

•All visitors: ৳300 per person

•Countries include: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan

Other Foreign Citizens

•All visitors: ৳500 per person

Free Entry

•Disabled persons: Free (no entry fee required)

Special Notes

•Tickets are available at the entrance counter

•Keep your ticket safe as it may be checked during your visit

•The museum is a branch of Bangladesh National Museum

•Group discounts may be available for school trips (inquire at counter)

•No additional charges for photography (but no flash allowed inside)

•Cash payment only - cards are not accepted

Contact for Inquiries

•Phone: +880-02-41361012

•Email: ziamuseum@gmail.com

Opening Hours

Regular Gallery Hours

The museum has different opening hours for different days:

Saturday to Wednesday

•Opening time: 10:30 AM

•Closing time: 5:30 PM

•Full day operation with no lunch break for visitors

Friday

•Opening time: 3:00 PM

•Closing time: 8:00 PM

•Special afternoon/evening hours

Weekly Closing Day

•Thursday is the weekly holiday

•The museum is completely closed on Thursdays

Office Hours

•Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

•Thursday and Friday: Closed

Ramadan Timings

During the holy month of Ramadan, the museum operates with reduced hours:

•Saturday to Wednesday: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM

•Friday: Check with museum for special Ramadan Friday hours

Best Time to Arrive

•Morning visits (10:30-11:30 AM) are less crowded

•Friday evenings can be busy as it is the special opening day

•Arrive at least 1.5 hours before closing to see all galleries

•Last entry is typically 30 minutes before closing

Important Notes

•Timings may change on public holidays

•The museum may close for special state events

•During political anniversaries, expect more visitors

•Check the official website or call +880-02-41361012 before visiting

•Email: ziamuseum@gmail.com

Time Needed

Quick Visit (1-1.5 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.

Standard Visit (2-2.5 Hours)

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.

In-Depth Visit (3-4 Hours)

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.

What Takes Time

•Walking through all 17 galleries: 60-90 minutes minimum

•Reading information plaques carefully: adds 30-45 minutes

•Taking photographs: adds 20-30 minutes

•Visiting the library: adds 30-60 minutes

•Exploring the grounds and garden: adds 15-20 minutes

•Restroom and refreshment breaks: adds 15-20 minutes

Tips for Time Management

•Arrive early to have more time without crowds

•Follow the gallery sequence for the best experience

•Spend extra time at Gallery 16 (assassination room) and the Liberation War section

•Ask staff which exhibits are most important if you have limited time

•The Kalurghat transmitter is a must-see item

•Don't rush through the somber sections

How to Reach

Location

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.

From Chittagong City Center

•The museum is in the heart of the city, very easy to reach

•By CNG auto-rickshaw: Takes about 10-15 minutes, costs around ৳50-80

•By rickshaw: Takes about 15-20 minutes, costs around ৳40-60

•On foot: If you are near Kotwali or the court area, it is walkable

From Chittagong Railway Station

•Distance is approximately 2-3 kilometers

•By CNG: Takes about 5-10 minutes, costs around ৳40-60

•By rickshaw: Takes about 10-15 minutes, costs around ৳30-50

•Walk along Station Road toward Kotwali area

From Shah Amanat International Airport

•Distance is approximately 20 kilometers

•By taxi: Takes about 45-60 minutes, costs around ৳700-900

•By CNG: Takes about 50-70 minutes, costs around ৳400-500

•First come to the city center, then head toward Kotwali

By Public Bus

•Local buses from various parts of Chittagong go to Kotwali area

•Look for buses marked "Kotwali" or "Court"

•Get off at the main Kotwali stop

•The museum is a short walk uphill from the bus stop

Landmarks to Help You Find It

•Near Chittagong Court building

•On Shahid Saifuddin Khaled Road

•Ask for "Zia Museum" or "Old Circuit House" - locals know it well

•On a hilltop, visible from the main road

•Near the historic flagpole area

Facilities

Museum Galleries

•17 well-organized exhibition galleries

•Each gallery focuses on a different period of Ziaur Rahman's life

•Gallery 16 recreates the assassination room

•Gallery 17 covers the final journey

•Galleries 13-15 showcase foreign visits

•Air-conditioned display areas

Library and Learning Center

•Well-stocked library with books about Bangladesh's history

•Research materials available for students and scholars

•Comfortable reading area

•Books about the Liberation War and political history

Conference Facilities

•Modern seminar hall in the new administrative building

•Audio-visual equipment for presentations

•Suitable for educational programs and meetings

•Built in 2006 behind the main museum building

Visitor Amenities

•Clean restroom facilities

•Drinking water available

•Seating areas for rest

•Information counter at entrance

•Helpful museum staff for guidance

Outdoor Areas

•Beautiful hilltop location with scenic views

•Well-maintained garden and grounds

•Historical flagpole where Bangladesh flag was first raised in Chittagong

•Parking facilities nearby

•Shaded areas for visitors

Accessibility

•Main floor accessible for most visitors

•Free entry for disabled persons

•Staff available to assist visitors with special needs

•Clear signage in Bengali and English

Things to Do

Explore the 17 Galleries

•Start from Gallery 1 showing Ziaur Rahman's early life

•Walk through galleries covering the Liberation War period

•See his presidential activities and achievements

•Visit galleries 13-15 showcasing his foreign diplomatic visits

•End at galleries 16-17 covering the assassination and final journey

•Spend time at each gallery to read the information plaques

Learn About Bangladesh's History

•Study the Liberation War period through photographs and documents

•See the original Kalurghat Radio transmitter used for independence declaration

•Learn about the political history of Bangladesh

•Understand the events of March 1971

•Read about the 1981 military coup

View Historic Artifacts

•See President Zia's military uniform and personal belongings

•View the actual table and chair he used during his presidency

•Look at diplomatic gifts he received from foreign leaders

•Examine rare photographs and documents

•See the stretcher that carried his body

Visit the Assassination Room

•Gallery 16 recreates the exact room where the tragedy occurred

•See the actual bullet marks preserved on the wall

•A somber but important part of history

•Reflect on this significant moment in Bangladesh's past

Use the Library

•Browse books about Bangladesh's history

•Research materials available for students

•Find information about the Liberation War

•Read about political developments of the 1970s-80s

Photography and Documentation

•Take photos of the beautiful colonial architecture

•Photograph the grounds and garden

•Document interesting artifacts (where allowed)

•Capture the hilltop views of Chittagong

•Note down facts for school projects

Combine with Other Museums

After visiting Zia Memorial Museum, explore other historical attractions in Chittagong:

•Bangladesh Maritime Museum: Learn about naval and maritime history

•Ethnological Museum: Discover Bangladesh's diverse ethnic heritage

•World War II Cemetery: Pay respects to WWII soldiers

Do's and Don'ts

DOs

✓Maintain silence and speak softly as this is a memorial site

✓Show respect for the historical significance of the place

✓Read all information plaques carefully to understand the history

✓Follow the gallery sequence for the best experience

✓Ask staff if you have questions about any exhibit

✓Keep your belongings secure at all times

✓Dress modestly and appropriately for a memorial museum

✓Turn off your phone's sound before entering galleries

✓Use the restroom facilities before starting your tour

✓Bring your student ID if you want the children's discount

✓Take time to reflect at Gallery 16 (assassination room)

✓Visit the library if you want to learn more

DON'Ts

✗Do not touch any exhibits or display items

✗Do not take flash photography inside the galleries

✗Do not make loud noises or engage in political discussions

✗Do not eat or drink inside the museum building

✗Do not run or play inside the galleries

✗Do not bring large bags inside (leave at entrance)

✗Do not lean on display cases or glass partitions

✗Do not litter anywhere on the museum premises

✗Do not smoke anywhere in the museum area

✗Do not bring pets inside the museum

✗Do not remove or damage any artifacts

✗Do not enter restricted areas or staff-only sections

Safety Tips

Inside the Museum

•Watch your step when walking between galleries

•The building is old, so be careful on stairs and uneven floors

•Keep children supervised at all times

•Do not touch glass display cases as they may be fragile

•Be careful around mannequins and models

•Stay aware of other visitors in narrow gallery spaces

•Follow the designated pathways through exhibits

Personal Safety

•Keep your wallet, phone, and valuables secure

•Do not leave bags or belongings unattended

•Use the bag storage facility if available

•Be cautious when using your phone to avoid bumping into displays

•If visiting alone, let someone know where you are

•Keep your entry ticket safe

Health Considerations

•The museum is air-conditioned, carry a light jacket if needed

•Stay hydrated, especially in summer months

•Use restroom facilities before starting your tour

•Take breaks if you feel tired from walking through 17 galleries

•Wear comfortable walking shoes

•If you have mobility issues, ask staff about accessible routes

On the Hilltop Grounds

•Be careful on the hilly terrain around the building

•Watch your step on pathways, especially after rain

•Stay on designated walking paths

•Keep an eye on children near slopes

•The grounds can be slippery when wet

Emergency Information

•Note emergency exit locations when you enter

•Museum staff are trained for emergencies

•First aid is available - ask staff if needed

•In case of emergency, follow staff instructions

•Contact: +880-02-41361012

•Email: ziamuseum@gmail.com

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Zia Memorial Museum

Find Places to Stay Near Zia Memorial Museum

About

A Historic Building with a Powerful Story

The Building's Journey Through History

The Tragic Event of 1981

What Makes This Museum Special

A Key Piece of Liberation War History

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Entry Fees

Bangladeshi Visitors

SAARC Country Citizens

Other Foreign Citizens

Free Entry

Special Notes

Contact for Inquiries

Opening Hours

Regular Gallery Hours

Saturday to Wednesday

Friday

Weekly Closing Day

Office Hours

Ramadan Timings

Best Time to Arrive

Important Notes

Time Needed

Quick Visit (1-1.5 Hours)

Standard Visit (2-2.5 Hours)

In-Depth Visit (3-4 Hours)

What Takes Time

Tips for Time Management

How to Reach

Location

From Chittagong City Center

From Chittagong Railway Station

From Shah Amanat International Airport

By Public Bus

Landmarks to Help You Find It

Facilities

Museum Galleries

Library and Learning Center

Conference Facilities

Visitor Amenities

Outdoor Areas

Accessibility

Things to Do

Explore the 17 Galleries

Learn About Bangladesh's History

View Historic Artifacts

Visit the Assassination Room

Use the Library

Photography and Documentation

Combine with Other Museums

Do's and Don'ts

DOs

DON'Ts

Safety Tips

Inside the Museum

Personal Safety

Health Considerations

On the Hilltop Grounds

Emergency Information

Location

Reviews

More Places in Chittagong

Karnaphuli River Cruise Area

Ethnological Museum

Patenga Beach

Sitakunda Eco Park & Botanical Garden

Best Time to Visit

Best Season to Visit

Winter (November to February)

Post-Monsoon (October)

Pre-Summer (March)

Best Days to Visit

Times to Avoid

Estimated Cost

Entry Fees Only

Budget Trip (Solo)