Efforts underway to share the tale of July Uprising: Mostofa Sarwar Farooki

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has said that efforts are underway to widely disseminate the tragic and powerful story of the July 2024 mass uprising to the public through collective and narrative-driven projects.

Speaking at the premiere of the documentary film "Unknown-30", which portrays the life and death of slain photojournalist Taher Zaman Priyo, Farooki emphasised the importance of preserving and sharing the memories of the movement that cost many lives.

"Our task, while in government, is to document and narrate the events of the 2024 mass uprising in a way that reaches everyone," he said at the event held last evening at the Bangladesh National Museum auditorium.

Reflecting on the July uprising, Farooki added, "Hearing and watching the events of that uprising leaves me traumatised. If I feel this way, I can only imagine the unbearable pain of those who lost their children or loved ones."

He reiterated that presenting the facts of the uprising to the nation is vital. "What happened in July is a historical fact. It's essential that we make the people of the country aware of it."

The premiere also featured emotional speeches by photojournalist and activist Shahidul Alam, Taher Zaman Priyo's mother Shamsi Ara Zaman, historian Amirul Rajib, and the film's director Rajat Tanmoy.

Shahidul Alam said, "As a teacher, I never imagined I would have to speak about Priyo on a stage like this. He was a bright, promising young man. Had he lived, Bangladesh would have gained more creative works from him."

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Priyo's mother, Shamsi Ara Zaman, shared her grief, stating, "He wanted me to be someone people looked up to in society. But I never wished to be known this way — through his death. Now, I am a familiar face to many, but not in a way I wanted."

She also recalled, "He spent the last two months of his life with me. Those two months have become eternal for me."