Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy paid tribute to the families of martyrs and wounded fighters of the July mass uprising at a memorial and honour ceremony titled “Bhoy Dekhate Pareni Jibon” (Life Could Not Frighten Us). The event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

The programme took place on Monday (August 3) at the National Music and Dance Centre Auditorium. Family members of those killed and injured during the 2024 student-led mass uprising attended the event.

The chief guest was Minister of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh Nitai Roy Chowdhury. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin delivered the welcome speech. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain was also present.

The programme began with orchestral performances of “Dhono Dhanno Pushpe Bhora” and “Muktir Mondir Shopan Tole”. A one-minute silence was then observed in memory of those killed during the July Uprising. The documentary “Mrityunjoyi Der Choron Chumi” was also screened.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh Nitai Roy Chowdhury paid tribute to the families of those who were killed and injured during the movement. Recalling the July Uprising, he said, “From July 15 to August 5, history witnessed an inevitable event through the defeat of a fascist force. The country wants freedom, the people want revolutionary change, and the nation wants a democratic society. We wanted this country to belong to its people.”


Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin said, “The abduction and killing of young students during the July Uprising is one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh’s history. Those who stand for democracy have never been silenced and never will be. We want democracy, human values, a free cultural space and an inclusive society.”

During the ceremony, commemorative honours were presented to the families of Khalid Hasan Saifullah, Shahriar Khan Anas, Farhan Faiyaz, Naima Sultana, Nafisa Hossain Marwa and Mahmudur Rahman Saikat, who were killed during the July Uprising. Honours were also presented to injured July fighters Md Siam Uddin, Nupur Chowdhury, Md Ashraful Fahim and Md Imam Hasan.


The remembrance ceremony was followed by a cultural performance. Ethun Babu, Monir Khan, Pial Hasan and Yusuf Ahmed Khan performed songs. Recitations were presented by Enamul Haque Jewel, Shima Islam, Iqbal Ahmed, Farzana Eli, Tito Munshi and Farin Tamanna.

The programme concluded with a choir performance by the vocal artistes of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.