_: Writer and journalist Mahbub Morshed today called upon the writers to depict significant events of the July mass uprising and incidents of suppression on people, carried out by the ousted fascist Sheikh Hasina’s government, in their literary works. “Almost all of country’s significant historical events, including 1971 Liberation War and 1990 anti-Ershad movement, are absent in literary works. People will forget the history and significant events of student-led mass upsurge of 2024, if it is not preserved through literary works,” he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahbub, who also serves as the Managing Director and Chief Editor, delivered these remarks while addressing a memorial lecture titled “Post uprising literature: crisis and possibilities.” The event was organized by Oitijjhya publication to mark its two decades at Bangla Academy’s Kabi Shamsur Rahman conference room in the capital. During his address, Mahbub emphasized the importance of literary works in illustrating the fascism th
at has permeated all aspects of national life over the last 15 years.
He urged writers to employ simile and metaphor in their works to make the narratives of Awami fascism and the July uprising more accessible to readers. Mahbub asserted that even when stories of suppression are not directly written, the public will still grasp the events that transpired during the regime.
Mahbub expressed concern that the nation has deviated from its goals post-uprising, forgetting the atrocities and significant events that led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. He lamented the lack of maturity in understanding the responsibilities during the post-mass uprising period, noting a prevailing defeated mentality despite being the victors.
He pointed out that while visible signs of the Awami League have been erased, the party’s presence persists in disguise within the country. Mahbub criticized the media for focusing on daily events and neglecting the atrocities of fascism, with only a few news stories covering the corruption of
the ousted government. He also highlighted that corruption and irregularities involving major figures, including Sheikh Hasina and her associates, are largely absent from media coverage.
Reflecting on the fascist regime, Mahbub recounted the insecurities faced by journalists, as they lived with the fear of police intervention and device confiscation when writing critical pieces. The discussion, conducted by Imran Nafis of the Bangladesh Study Forum, also saw the participation of Oitijjhya publication Chief Executive Arifur Rahman Nayeem and Dhaka University IML teacher Tanim Nawshad.