Across Bangladesh, libraries and memorial museums have been established to honour the nation’s highest war heroes—Bir Sreshthos—who displayed extraordinary courage during the Liberation War of 1971. These institutions were envisioned as spaces where the younger generation could learn about the Liberation War and appreciate the sacrifices of these heroes. Yet, in reality, many of them are struggling with neglect, staff shortages, and inadequate maintenance.
The Bir Sreshtho Ruhul Amin Library and Memorial Museum in Sonaimuri, Noakhali, exemplifies this decline. There is little effort to attract visitors, and the institution is managed solely by a caretaker. The walls are faded, five of the nine electric fans are broken, windows are shattered, and doors and chairs are damaged. Without a librarian, books on the Liberation War remain uncared for and neglected.
Similarly, the Bir Sreshtho Munshi Abdur Rouf Library and Memorial Museum in Faridpur faces serious operational challenges. Though it houses 5,179 books, only three artefacts related to the hero are preserved. Poor communication and accessibility have led to low visitor turnout. The absence of permanent staff means the museum relies on wage-based employees.
The situation is even more dire at the Bir Sreshtho Sipahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Library and Memorial Museum in Bhola. There is no librarian, and the caretaker works on a daily wage. Of 17 bookshelves, only nine are in usable condition, while many books remain scattered or damaged. No new acquisitions have been made for years.
By contrast, the Bir Sreshtho Sipahi Hamidur Rahman Library and Memorial Museum in Jhenaidah is comparatively better maintained. It receives 150–160 visitors daily and contains over 5,000 books, including many related to the Liberation War. However, permanent staff are absent, and both the librarian and caretaker are employed on contractual terms.
The following table summarises the condition of several key Bir Sreshtho memorial institutions:
| Bir Sreshtho | Location | Number of Books | Artefacts / Memorabilia | Staff | Current Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruhul Amin | Noakhali | Some books | Limited photos & medals | 1 caretaker | Building dilapidated, books neglected, insufficient staff |
| Munshi Abdur Rouf | Faridpur | 5,179 | 3 minor artefacts | 1 librarian + 1 caretaker | Low visitors, no permanent staff |
| Mostafa Kamal | Bhola | Children & science books | None | 1 caretaker | No librarian, damaged books & shelves |
| Nur Mohammad Sheikh | Narail | 6,000 | Some personal items | 1 caretaker | Occasional closure, staff shortage |
| Hamidur Rahman | Jhenaidah | 5,000+ | Photos & murals | 1 librarian + 1 caretaker | No permanent staff, closed two days a week |
Experts argue that to make these memorials truly effective and engaging, adequate maintenance, sufficient staff, regular publications, and visitor attraction initiatives are essential. Without such measures, these unique collections of national heritage risk fading into obscurity, depriving future generations of a tangible connection to Bangladesh’s Liberation War.