I'm posting the following letter of appeal on behalf of MuktiJuddha Smriti
Trust (MST). I'm posting it as is. The letter is a bit outdated.  The museum was not
opened in December as indicated. They are trying to open parts of it at the end of this
month (Jan).  On the issue of membership I believe there is a less costlier type (Tk.
1000/yr) than the ones mentioned below.  I had a chance to visit the building during my
stay in Dhaka.  It's a renovated 70 yr old house.  Many of the leading
artists/sculptors are volunteering their work in making of this  museum.  It certainly
looked promising.
        If you need further information please contact MST directly at the address/phone/fax given below.
                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUBJECT: SPONSOR/CHARTER MEMBERSHIP FOR MUKTIJUDDHA MUSEUM



Dear Friend,

        The Liberation War of 1971 was a very proud & important part in the life of the
entire Bengalee race.  At the same time, it was also an unbelievable incident for an
innumerable number of people who were involved personally in various ways.  We are
establishing the Muktijuddha Smriti Trust with the intention/hope that the nation can
remember eternally the millions of people who laid down their lives or were victims of
unthinkable sufferings and sacrificed to establish the independent state of Bangladesh.
Their courage, their heroism, their generosity should not go unacknowledged.  The Trust
has rented a house at 5 Shegun Bagicha in order to establish a "Liberation War Museum".
The preliminary work is being carried out in the hope of opening it in December of this
year. Starting from the 19th & 20th century, this museum will exhibit serially the
history of Bengalee values, the fight for freedom, different national movements such
as: the language movement of '52, 70's election, and non-cooperation movement. In
addition it will focus on the dark night & genocide of 25th March,  preliminary defense
and counter attack by organized guerrilla warfare, refugee life, movement outside
Bangladesh, the cultural movement, victory celebrations on the 16th December, and the
movement to eliminate the collaborators will be upheld through different documentation.
In this respect, apart from various documents and photographs, there will be
audio-visual facilities.  There will also be representation by art work.  Uninterrupted
discussion is being carried out with specialists on the subject of the layout and
foundation of the museum.  Advice from many sources being taken into consideration
since our aim is to establish the very best museum of its kind.
        
        It goes without saying that, although the Muktijuddha Smriti Trust has taken
the first step toward establishing a liberation war museum, help and cooperation of
many others is needed.  Only then can it be built and, in reality, only then will its
establishment be considered to have been initiated by the people.  The enormous amount
of labour and funds needed to set up this Liberation War Museum will also have to be of
a national scale/initiative.  With this mind, we have decided to arrange memberships.
Those who decide to contribute Tk. 5,00,000 or more will be enrolled as "Sponsor
members".  There names will be engraved in a special corner in the museum.  Those who
decide to contribute a sum of Tk. 25,000 or more will enrolled as "Charter members".
Both sponsor and charter members will be:

        - eligible for free admission to the Muktijuddha Museum;
        - entitled to 25% discount on all MST publication and 15% discount on
                other items or programmes organized by MST;
        - be given priority to all special functions organized by MST;
        - be regularly informed on all MST activities through our newsletter to
                be published monthly;
        - receive an engraved emblem.

        In addition, there will be regular meetings and seminars for these members to
offer their advice and consultation.

        We hope that as a person respecting the ideals of Bangladesh's freedom
movement, you will join this social initiative and assist us in making this venture successful. Your early response
will help us in completing this project successfully.

        Sincerely,

        Akku Chowdhury

        Member Secretary


        ***********************************************************
        Trustees:
        Dr. Sarwar Ali * Aly Zaker * Rabiul Husain *
        Ziauddin Tariq Ali * Sara Zaker * Asaduzzaman Noor *
        Mofidul Hoque * Akku Chowdhury *
        ***********************************************************

MUKTIJUDDHA SMRITI TRUST

54 Kemal Ataturk Ave
Banani, Dhaka-1213
Phone:600589
Fax:833355
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_________________________________
Mushtaq Mohiuddin
David Sarnoff Research Center
Princeton, NJ

Email: jomo@sarnoff.com,
       mushtaq@sarnoff.com
Phone: (609)-734-2778 (w)
       (609)-716-0520 (h)
Fax:   (609)-734-2221
_________________________________
Standard Disclaimer
_________________________________