We have been freed from fascist rule, but paid a heavy price: President

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, visibly moved after visiting the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum and watching a short documentary, said the country had been freed from fascist rule and regained democracy but had paid a very heavy price.

“The state can never repay its debt to the martyrs and injured July fighters,” he said, urging that such a tragic and brutal massacre never take place in the country again.

The president arrived at the museum at 11am, where Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister for Culture Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Policy and Strategy Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, the secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the director general of the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum and senior officials from the President’s Office and relevant ministries welcomed him.

After collecting a visitor ticket, the president entered the museum and walked through the “Long Walk to Democracy” walkway, viewing historical images depicting different stages of the Liberation War and Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

He also visited the memorial dedicated to those killed during 16 years of fascist rule and a replica of an “Aynaghar”, or secret detention centre.

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 visited sections of the museum dedicated to the BDR massacre, Shapla massacre, torture instruments and enforced disappearances. He became emotional while viewing letters, memorabilia and other belongings of the victims.

The president also toured sections highlighting key events of the July Uprising and the struggles of students and the public.

At the Monsoon Theatre, he watched a documentary on the July Uprising and became emotional. He later signed the museum’s visitors’ book.

The president said it was the responsibility of everyone to build a democratic, just, non-discriminatory and humane state by upholding the spirit of the July Mass Uprising.

He said preserving such memories and the role of the museum were crucial to properly presenting the history of the July Mass Uprising to future generations.

The president prayed for the eternal peace of the souls of those killed during the uprising and wished the injured and affected people a speedy recovery and well-being.

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Paying deep respect to the martyrs and injured people of the July Mass Uprising, he described their sacrifices as an important chapter in Bangladesh’s struggle for democracy and justice.

He said the nation would remember with profound respect the sacrifices of the students and members of the public who participated in the July Mass Uprising and made the ultimate sacrifice.

He also expressed sympathy for the families of the martyrs and paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of those who were injured.

The president’s wife, Rahat Ara Begum, was present during the visit.