Dhaka: Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, today stated that the July Museum will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations by showcasing the struggle against autocracy. “The history of the people’s resistance against autocracy will remain preserved as long as this museum exists,” he remarked while briefing reporters after visiting the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Speaker highlighted that the museum has effectively portrayed the narratives of repression, chaos, and killings during the 16-year rule of what he described as the ‘autocratic mafia regime’ of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina through ‘staged and controversial elections’. He emphasized the sacrifices of individuals like Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, Wasim, and others during the July-August uprising, noting that their actions would continue to inspire the nation. He also referred to incidents of enforced disappearances during the previous regime and mentioned that the expressions of sympathy shown to victims’ families by Sheikh Hasina had become ‘a stain in history’.
The Speaker observed that the common people’s sacrifices in every democratic and anti-autocracy movement from 1971 to 2024 were unparalleled in establishing democracy in the country, as mentioned in a press release. He remarked, “The sacrifices of the masses during the July Mass Uprising will remain an example for the world,” adding that the July fighters sacrificed their present for the future of the nation.
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal remarked that the July Mass Uprising Museum symbolizes Bangladesh’s liberation from fascism. “The spirited youths of Bengal sacrificed themselves to restore democracy in the country. This museum will stand as a unique tribute to their memories,” he stated.
During the visit, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury toured the ‘Long Walk to Democracy’ road, featuring photographs of significant historical events from 1971 to 1991. They also viewed murals and graffiti, including poems by Anas, who was killed during the July uprising, as well as documents and summaries related to the quota reform movement, anti-discrimination movement, and killings that occurred between July 1 and July 36, 2024.
The delegation also visited memorials on the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, the Shapla Chattar killings, the safe roads movement, and a remembrance corner dedicated to Abrar Fahad, who was killed amid alleged violence by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists during the previous regime. They observed the ‘Aynaghar’ miniature installation, the ‘Memories of Disappearance’ exhibit, and silent tributes featuring portraits of the July martyrs fluttering in the air.
The visitors were moved after seeing a miniature model of the parliament building handmade by martyr Zahiduzzaman Tanvin, the bloodstained shirt of Saudi expatriate martyr Abu Ishaq, and belongings and bloodstained clothes used by those killed during the July Mass Uprising. Later, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker joined a press briefing at the museum’s main gate.
At the briefing, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury announced that the July Museum would be opened to the public by the end of July or early August this year. Director General of the July Museum, members of the curator team, and senior officials from the relevant ministries and the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present during the visit.