Located near Jamuna Bridge, this museum houses over 5,000 specimens, offering a unique center for biodiversity research, conservation and education, inspiring visitors and supporting wildlife preservation efforts in Bangladesh.
The Jamuna Bridge Regional Museum, located in Bhuapur Upazila under Tangail district near the eastern end of the iconic Jamuna Bridge in Bangladesh, has become one of Asia’s largest biodiversity repositories, housing over 5,000 preserved animal specimens under a single roof.
Originally established in 1995 to archive information related to the construction of the Jamuna Bridge, the museum has evolved into a major center for biodiversity research and conservation. Today, it attracts scholars, students and nature enthusiasts alike.
The museum’s collections extend beyond wildlife to include plant species, bird nests, eggs, insects and specimens representing the region’s riverine ecosystem. Visitors gain firsthand insight into Bangladesh’s rich flora and fauna while researchers use the museum as a valuable resource for study and conservation. By preserving rare species and supporting research, the museum also contributes to global biodiversity conservation efforts.
Among the rare and preserved species on display are Bengal tigers, chitra deer, jungle cats, pangolins, nilgai, vultures, kingfishers, kites, greater adjutants, Sundarbans white storks, Ganges river dolphins, shapla fish, various snakes, turtles and countless insects, butterflies, spiders and ants.
Beyond its exhibits, the museum draws large numbers of visitors daily who are eager to learn about wildlife firsthand. Manik, a visitor from Sirajganj, said, “It’s an amazing experience. I discovered so much about wildlife and their habitats that I had never seen or learned before.”
Another visitor, Md. Shafiur Rahman Talukdar, added, “This museum is a fantastic place to learn about animals and their Environment. I left with many new insights.”
Curator Md. Jewel Rana confirmed that the number of preserved species has surpassed 5,000. “Our goal is not only to conserve animals but also to raise awareness about them. Students visiting the museum gain hands-on experience which inspires a love for nature,” he said.
Rana further explained that the museum continues to expand its collection. “With ongoing efforts and public support, I am confident this museum can become one of the world’s premier biodiversity centers,” he added.
With its unique collections, educational value and research potential, the Jamuna Bridge Regional Museum is emerging as a key institution for biodiversity preservation in Bangladesh. It offers both local and international audiences a rare window into the country’s natural heritage, combining conservation, learning and research under one roof.
Dr. Hosneara Popi, a zoology researcher at Ibrahim Khan Government College, emphasized the museum’s educational impact. “Initiatives like this encourage future generations to conserve wildlife and natural resources. This is more than a museum. It is a living laboratory,” she said.
