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President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was moved to tears after visiting the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum and watching a short documentary, saying that the country had been freed from fascist rule and regained democracy, but at a very high cost.
“The state will never be able to repay its debt to the martyrs and injured fighters of July,” he said. “May such a tragic and brutal massacre never happen in this country again.”
He made the remarks on Wednesday while visiting the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum, according to his press wing. His wife, Rahat Ara Begum, accompanied him.
Mirza Fakhrul arrived at the museum at around 11am. Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khaiyam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, the secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the museum’s director general, and senior officials from the President’s Office and relevant ministries welcomed him.
According to the press wing, the President entered the museum after collecting a visitor ticket and walked through the “Long Walk to Democracy” walkway, where he observed historical photographs depicting different stages of the Liberation War and Bangladesh’s democratic journey.
He also visited a memorial dedicated to those who were killed during 16 years of authoritarian rule, as well as a replica of the “Aynaghar” detention facility.
The President paid deep respect to the memories of those killed and injured during the July Mass Uprising and planted a tree on the museum premises.
He also toured sections of the museum dedicated to the BDR massacre, Shapla massacre, torture instruments and enforced disappearances. He became emotional while viewing letters written by martyrs, memorabilia and other personal belongings.
The President also visited exhibits documenting key events of the July uprising and the struggles of students and ordinary citizens.
Finally, he watched a documentary at the museum’s Monsoon Theatre, which left him visibly emotional. After completing the visit, he signed the museum’s visitors’ book.
The President said it was the collective responsibility of everyone to build a democratic, justice-based, discrimination-free and humane state by upholding the spirit of the July Mass Uprising.
He stressed that preserving the memories of the uprising and the role of museums were extremely important to ensure that future generations properly learn about its history.
The press wing further said the President paid profound tribute to the martyrs and injured participants of the July Mass Uprising, describing their sacrifices as an important chapter in Bangladesh’s struggle for democracy and justice.
He said the sacrifices of the students and ordinary people who participated in and gave their lives during the July uprising would be remembered by the nation with deep respect.
He also expressed his condolences to the families of those who were killed and paid tribute to the sacrifice and courage of those who were injured.
Members of the July Museum governing board, including Sanjida Islam Tuli, Abrar Elias and Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdha, were also present.
During the visit, members of the museum’s research team, Zubair Ibn Kamal and Farhan Masud, briefed the President on various installations and documents displayed at the museum.
