On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum. Arriving at the museum around 11 AM, he became deeply emotional after watching a documentary, commenting with tear-filled eyes that while liberation from fascist rule and the restoration of democracy were achieved, the nation had to pay a significant price for it. He firmly stated that the state can never repay the debt of sacrifice made by these martyred and injured July fighters, and expressed his hope that such tragic and cruel massacres would never occur again in the future.
Accompanying the President on this significant visit was his wife, Rahat Ara Begum. He was also warmly received by Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam, Prime Minister's Advisor 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 other senior officials from the President's Office and relevant ministries. This high-level presence underscored the profound importance of the President's visit.
Upon entering the museum, the President first collected a visitor's ticket. He then deeply observed the pictorial representations of Bangladesh's Great War of Liberation and the nation's various historical steps towards democracy along the 'Long Walk to Democracy' walkway. He became emotional while touring the memorial and replica 'Aynaghar' (mirror house), built in memory of those martyred during nearly 16 years of fascist rule. At one point during the visit, the President planted a tree on the museum premises as a profound tribute to the memory of those martyred and injured in the July uprising, symbolizing their sacrifice.
During his visit, the President specifically toured several sensitive sections of the museum, including those dedicated to the BDR Massacre, the Shapla Massacre, displays of torture instruments, and sections for victims of enforced disappearances. He once again became deeply emotional upon seeing personal letters, mementos, and memorabilia of the martyrs. These artifacts seemed to bring to life the painful memories of that era, moving the President to tears.
Various galleries of the museum showcased important events of the July uprising and images and documents of the indomitable struggle of students and the general public. The President observed each section with great attention. In the final stage of his visit, he watched a documentary at the July Museum's Monsoon Theatre, which once again deeply moved him. After the visit, the President recorded his feelings and comments in the museum's visitor book, which bears witness to this historic moment.
In his remarks recorded in the visitor book, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that it is the collective responsibility of all to build a democratic, justice-based, non-discriminatory, and humane state system, embodying the core spirit of the July Mass Uprising. He further emphasized that the role of such memory preservation and museums is immensely important in accurately and comprehensively presenting the history of the July Mass Uprising to future generations. These institutions keep our history alive and connect new generations to their roots.
In his address, the President prayed for the salvation of the souls of the martyrs who sacrificed themselves in the July Mass Uprising. Simultaneously, he wished for the swift recovery and overall well-being of all those injured and affected by the uprising. He expressed deep respect for the sacrifice of the martyrs and the courage and dedication of the injured, extending heartfelt condolences to their families. The President firmly reiterated that the nation will forever remember with profound respect the sacrifices made by the students and the general public who participated in the July Mass Uprising, and their self-sacrifice will be considered an integral and crucial chapter in the country's struggle for democracy and justice.
During this visit, the President was thoroughly briefed on various installations and documents of the museum by Jubayer Ibn Kamal and Farhan Masud, members of the July Museum's research team. Also present were Sanjida Islam Tuli, Abrar Elias, and Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, members of the July Museum's governing board. The President's visit brought renewed attention to the historical significance of the July Mass Uprising and the necessity of preserving its memory.
