Writer Farhad Mazhar emphasized on Friday the significance of people's empowerment over electoral processes.
The program, titled "Awakened July of the Masses" and organized by the July Community Alliance Mirpur, was held in the afternoon at the Shah Ali Shrine.
Mazhar described the July uprising as a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political history. “It brought a fundamental shift in state power, fulfilling the people's expectations and aspirations,” he said.
In his speech, Mazhar remarked that their mission remains unfinished. “If the work isn’t done, we can’t just sit idle. We must carry it forward ourselves — we’ll support the government where necessary and critique it where needed,” he stated.
He further challenged the traditional notion of democracy: “Democracy doesn’t lie in elections. It lies in empowering the people — when citizens themselves believe they are in control, that’s true democracy.”
Addressing socio-political challenges, Mazhar urged people to stand by shrines that have historically faced demolition. “Shrines are universal spaces — they transcend religion and speak the language of the people. There is nothing truer or stronger than the people themselves. A powerful Bangladesh must be people-centric,” he said.
Adviser Mostafa Sarwar Farooki echoed these sentiments, highlighting the emotional toll of the movement.
“We feel a deep sorrow when we talk to the families of martyrs. That sorrow is important — as long as the nation remembers this pain, it stays on the right path,” he noted.
Farooki announced the establishment of the July Museum, a space dedicated to preserving the painful yet powerful stories of the July revolution. “It will serve as a bridge across generations, ensuring these memories live on,” he said.
Criticizing the suppression of cultural expressions at shrines, Farooki said: “Music should not have been banned at these sites. Shrines are inclusive, and our culture is built on such diversity. This kind of fascism must be resisted. Many talented artists perform here — they deserve platforms.”
Family members of martyrs were present at the event.
Mosharraf Hossain, father of martyr Meherunnesa Tanha, emotionally said: “Our children’s blood gave birth to this new Bangladesh — one where we are free to speak our minds.”
Tabassum Akter Niha, wife of martyr Mohammad Nadim, urged the government to formally recognize their sacrifices. “We received a grant of five lakh taka from the July Foundation, but that’s hardly sufficient. No one from the government has reached out with serious concern. We want proper recognition and justice,” she said.
The event featured a range of activities including a medical camp for the underprivileged, a July-themed graffiti display, photo and newspaper exhibitions on the movement, poetry recitations, testimonials from injured frontliners, children’s art sessions, a soulful musical gathering, and a book fair.
The program was presided over by Md Romel, chief coordinator of the July Community Alliance Mirpur.
Other notable attendees included movement survivors Mahfuzur Rahman and Abul Bashar Sohel, frontline activist Ali Nur, poet Nakib Nakshi, Hasnat Saheb, and members Yasir Arafat, Toufiq Hasan, and Milon Hossain.
