A state programme marking July Uprising Day at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka was disrupted on Wednesday after objections were raised over a documentary screened at the event.
Members of families of those killed during the July uprising, July fighters and leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) protested during the programme, which was attended by Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad as the chief guest.
The protesters alleged that the documentary, prepared by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, failed to properly portray key events of the July uprising, the sacrifices of those killed and the contributions of various individuals involved in the movement.
They claimed that the roles of July movement coordinators, including Nahid Islam and others, were not adequately reflected in the documentary.
Videos from the event showed NCP leaders and activists chanting slogans. A dispute also broke out over who announced the one-point demand of the July movement.
Following the protest, NCP Chief Coordinator Sarjis Alam made a post on Facebook addressing BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, writing, “Mr Tarique Rahman, how does it feel to be the announcer of the one-point demand?”
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed later went to the stage and urged the protesters to remain calm.
“Those among you who want to speak, please come here and express your views. Please sit peacefully,” he said.
Later, NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossain joined the stage and alleged that a situation similar to the Awami League’s dominance over the Liberation War narrative had emerged.
“Just as the Liberation War was monopolised by the Awami League, a similar situation has been created here,” he said.
Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said the government would examine the issues raised over the documentary.
“The inconsistencies in the documentary, including those related to 3 August, will be reviewed,” he said.
Akhter Hossain repeated his allegations during his formal speech later and left the auditorium with party leaders and activists after taking permission from the president.
Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said Abu Sayeed was one of the key faces of the movement, adding that any documentary on it would be incomplete without featuring him.
