A state event organized by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising was marred by commotion and chaos. During the reception and discussion meeting for the families of July martyrs and fighters at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on Wednesday (August 5), allegations of historical distortion arose regarding a documentary screened at the venue. In protest, leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) staged a walkout, leaving Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed deeply embarrassed and expressing strong dissatisfaction.
Delivering the presidential address at the event, Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said, “Division within our nation is in no way desirable. If the fallen fascist forces and their leader return to the country without any remorse, the public will give a fitting response on the streets.”
The dissatisfaction erupted among a section of political leaders and attendees immediately following the screening of the documentary, which was produced under the supervision of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. Outraged by the omission of photos of Abu Sayed—the first martyr and symbol of the July Revolution—as well as BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, NCP leaders walked out of the venue.
Expressing his embarrassment over the incident, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed remarked, “There were severe mistakes in the screened documentary. The image of Abu Sayed, the icon of this revolutionary movement, was not included—which is entirely unacceptable. Furthermore, the photo of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was also missing. However, after the concerned minister officially apologized for this unintentional error, everyone should have remained calm.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the rehabilitation of families of the martyrs and the injured, the Acting President stated, “The most important and sacred responsibility of the current interim government of Bangladesh is to look after the families of those who sacrificed their lives in the July Revolution and to ensure proper medical treatment for those who lost their eyesight or limbs. Despite being a developing nation with limited resources, the government will spare no effort for the welfare of the martyr families and valiant fighters.”
Regarding democracy and elections, he delivered a clear message: “The people’s war of ’71 and the July movement of ’24 both aimed fundamentally at establishing democracy. Elections are not trivial matters; rather, they are a core component of democracy. Our independence and sovereignty will remain intact only as long as democracy and freedom of expression prevail in the country.”
He added that there is no room for discrimination on this soil soaked in the blood of martyrs, urging everyone to stay united to build a democratic, exploitation-free, and equitable new Bangladesh at the earliest.
