Artists’ role crucial in preserving July Mass Uprising memories: Cultural Affairs Minister

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has called on artists to come forward to preserve the memories of the July Mass Uprising.

Speaking at an event titled “Memory Against Forgetting”, organised by the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum on its premises on Monday, he said the contributions and creativity of artists, alongside those of people from various walks of life, would be remembered for their role in the fall of fascist rule.

Opening the art camp, the cultural affairs minister said the autocratic regime had come to an end through the spontaneous participation of students, the public and working people.

The mass uprising was a glorious chapter in Bangladesh's democratic history, he said, adding that artists' works would play a special role in keeping the history and memories of the uprising alive for the younger generation.

Speaking as a special guest, Prime Minister's Cultural Affairs Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said organising such an event with painters on premises steeped in the memories of the mass uprising was an excellent example.

He said the museum would preserve these artworks permanently, marking a unique milestone in inclusive cultural practice.

Ehsan Mahmud, director general of the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum, said the premises where the art camp was being held had once been the centre of autocratic rule.

That symbolic site of fascism has now been transformed into a centre for artistic practice.

He said the art camp would serve as a struggle for memory against attempts over the past 16 years to use art and literature to make citizens forget their rights and history.

Renowned painters from across the country took part in the day-long art camp. Notable participating artists included Nasim Ahmed Nadvi, Naima Haque, Samia Afrin, Joytu Chakma, A. Echen, Imam Hossain, Nazia Andalib Preema, Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed, Khandaker Nasir Ahmad, Abdul Halim Chanchal, Tamanna Liza, Amal Akash, Mostafa Zaman, Mostafizul Haque, Farzana Ahmed Urmi, Syed Zahid Iqbal, Faria Khanam, Md Arman Chowdhury, Nazmun Nahar Pia, Sumon Haldar, Momin Mukta and Jafrin Gulshan.