Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally opened the July Uprising Memorial Museum in the capital at about 11 a.m. on Wednesday. He said the museum would expose the face of fascism and described the day as a landmark in Bangladesh’s democratic history. According to the prime minister, the institution would help chart a new path toward building a new country.

In his address, Rahman referred to allegations of disappearances, killings, abductions and torture during more than a decade and a half of fascist rule. He said thousands of students, civilians, women and children were killed during the July-August uprising, while at least 30,000 people were injured. July fighters and relatives of martyrs recalled stories of courage and sacrifice at the event, which also included a documentary and cultural programme.

After the inauguration, the prime minister toured galleries, preserved artifacts, photographs, documents and memorabilia. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said the museum would be reserved for special guests and martyrs’ families on opening day before opening to the public on August 6. Tickets will be available online, priced at 50 taka for adults and 25 taka for children.