The Secretariat Yangon, Yangon Overview

The Secretariat is located in Botataung Town close to Yangon centre in Myanmar. Also called the Ministers' Building, it was the administrative office during the British rule of Burma. It is infamous for being the place where the country's prominent leader General Aung San and six other cabinet ministers were assassinated. Tourists visiting Yangon city can take up guided tour to know about the heritage and the history of this colonial building.

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The Secretariat History & Significance

The Secretariat, formerly known as Government Secretariat and Minister's Building, was constructed at the end of the 1800s. The building was completed in 1902. Built by the British, this red and yellow brick structure has European Victorian-style architecture.

It was the administrative office during the British rule and for a few years after independence. The building came into focus when General Aung San, the father of modern Myanmar, who worked in the office, was assassinated along with six ministers on 19 July 1947. The former Prime Minister U Saw commissioned it. This day is now commemorated as Burmese Martyrs' Day.

Each year on the anniversary of this day, the General's room and the place where the assassination happened are open to the public.

Guided Heritage tours for visitors

Tourists can sign up for guided tours that will take around the interiors of the building representing the colonial architecture, including the parliament, the west wing, and the office buildings which consists of spiral stairs.