July Museum to Inspire Fight for Democracy: Speaker

Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has said the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum will stand as a lasting reminder that the people of Bangladesh do not tolerate authoritarian rule and will continue to inspire future generations to defend democracy.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after visiting the under-construction July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum, the Speaker said the museum vividly portrays the history of anti-authoritarian movements in Bangladesh, the sacrifices of martyrs and the spirit of democratic resistance.

He said the museum carefully documents key moments of the July-August mass uprising, including massive public gatherings at the Shaheed Minar and scenes of millions of people taking to the streets demanding democratic rights.

According to the Speaker, the museum also preserves personal belongings of the martyrs, handwritten letters carried by protesters, rare photographs and portraits of grieving parents, all of which reflect the courage and sacrifices made during the movement.

“Many of the young protesters knew they might not return alive, yet they faced death with remarkable courage,” he said, adding that visitors would find it difficult to hold back tears after witnessing the exhibits.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said the museum would serve as proof that Bangladeshis have repeatedly resisted dictatorship throughout history.

“This museum will demonstrate that the people of Bangladesh never accept authoritarianism. It will also inspire future struggles to protect democracy,” he said.

The Speaker praised the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and all those involved in the project for presenting what he described as the “true history” of Bangladesh before the public. He said the museum captures the nation’s long struggle for democratic rights, including the 1971 Liberation War, various anti-autocracy movements and the latest mass uprising.

He further claimed that audio records allegedly containing direct instructions for killings during the uprising have been preserved at the museum as historical evidence.

The Speaker also referred to several emotionally charged moments depicted in the exhibits, including scenes of student protesters confronting violence during the demonstrations. He said these displays would leave a deep impact on visitors and strengthen public commitment to democratic values.

During the visit, Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal said the museum symbolises the nation’s liberation from fascist rule and reflects the aspirations of the people for freedom and democracy.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Nitai Roy said the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum is expected to open to visitors either at the end of July or on the first day of August this year.

The museum is being developed as a permanent national archive to preserve memories, documents and artefacts related to the July-August uprising and the broader democratic struggles of Bangladesh.