Osmani Memorial Auditorium

Osmani Memorial Auditorium

The Osmani Museum on Abdul Gani Road is in the heart of the Sylhet City Corporation area in the Sylhet Division.  It was named after General Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani (1918-84), Commander-in-Chief of Bangladesh Forces during the Liberation War (12 April 1971 – 7 April 1972).  The foundation stone was laid in 1985 and it was opened by President Ershad on 4 March 1987.  The General was known as Bangabir (the Hero of Bengal).  He served in the British Army in 1939, fought in Burma during World War II and then served in the Pakistan Army until 1967.  On retiring from the army he entered politics, joining the Provisional Government.  He died in London on 16 February 1984.

This museum honours the General’s memory, in particular, his contribution during the liberation war and also for founding the armed forces of Bangladesh,

The museum is housed in ‘Nur Manzil’, the ancestral house of Osmani.   It is a tin shed building with a piazza in front.  It contains three galleries, the first laid out like a bedroom with items such as his wristwatch, military stick and various uniforms.  The second gallery is a drawing room with showcases containing medals, his passport and personal mementoes.  The third is more utilitarian, a highlight being the operational map of Bangladesh he used during the liberation war.