Accra:The July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum has published a book detailing the sacrifices of "Sanatani martyrs" in the 2024 uprising, aligning the release with Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the book, titled "Bisharjan Julai Gano-Obhyuthaner Sanatan Shahidera" (Bisharjan The Sanatani Martyrs of the July Mass Uprising), was released today. It reflects on the fall of the autocratic government in 2024, which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, including nine members of the Sanatan faith. These individuals, who included students, a child, and working people, are remembered for their ultimate sacrifice.
Among the martyrs was six-year-old Riya Gope, whose death during the July uprising resonated deeply across the nation. She was tragically shot while playing on the roof of her home. Other Sanatani martyrs include Sri Shuvo Shil, Hridoy Chandra Taruya, Saikat Chandra Dey, Tanoy Chandra Das, Ripon Chandra Shil, Rudra Sen, Dipto Dey, and Ganga Charan Raj Banshi.
The July Museum, which opened on August 5, 2026, under the inauguration of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has preserved memorabilia of over 500 martyrs, including those from the Sanatani community. "Bisharjan" is the museum's first publication in Bangla dedicated to these martyrs.
Ehsan Mahmud, Director General of the museum, commented on the book's significance, stating, "In July 2024, we saw that the so-called patriotic politics of the Awami League had turned into a politics of protecting its own power. To protect that power, ordinary people were killed indiscriminately." He added that the book compiles the stories of the martyrs and is a way to honor them during the Sharadiya Durga festival.
"Bisharjan" is priced at Tk 50 and is available at the July Museum and various bookshops nationwide.