Dhaka: Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Tuesday said the July Museum will remain a lasting inspiration for future generations in the struggle against autocracy. 'As long as this museum exists, the history of the people's resistance against authoritarianism in this country will be preserved,' he said while briefing reporters after visiting the July Mass Uprising Museum.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Speaker highlighted that the museum has vividly portrayed the repression, violence, and killings carried out during the '16 years of sham and staged elections' under the rule of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He emphasized that the sacrifices of individuals like Abu Sayed, Mugdha, Wasim, and others during the July-August uprising would continue to inspire the nation. Additionally, he criticized Sheikh Hasina's expression of sympathy toward the families of the disappeared during the authoritarian regime, describing it as insincere and leaving her disgraced in history.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed further acknowledged the unique contributions of ordinary people in every democratic and anti-autocracy movement in the country from 1971 to 2024. He remarked, 'The sacrifices of the masses during the July mass uprising will remain an example for the world,' highlighting how the July fighters dedicated their present for the future of the nation.
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal expressed that the July Mass Uprising Museum symbolizes Bangladesh's liberation from fascism. He stated, 'The spirited youths sacrificed themselves to restore democracy in the country. This museum will stand as a unique tribute to their memories.'
During their visit, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury explored different sections of the museum. These included the 'Long Walk to Democracy' road, which displays photographs of major political events from 1971 to 1991, murals and graffiti, documents on the July mass uprising, and summaries of killings during the quota reform and anti-discrimination movements from July 1 to 36, 2024. They also viewed memorials dedicated to the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, the Shapla Chattar violence, the Safe Roads Movement, and slain student Abrar Fahad.
The delegation observed personal belongings and bloodstained clothes of those killed during the uprising, including a bloodstained shirt of Abu Ishaq, a Saudi expatriate, and a miniature model of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban made by martyr Zahiduzzaman Tanvin. Officials present during the visit became emotional while observing the exhibits.
Speaking at the briefing, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury announced that the July Museum is expected to be opened to the public by the end of July or early August this year.