[🇧🇩] Those who have laid down their lives to free Bangladesh

[Saif]

Who made so many people accused, asks plaintiff

But the case has been filed against some people, who are apparently not involved with the incident. Even the plaintiff does not know how so many people have been accused in the case. Now he wants to rectify the case

en.prothomalo.com

Who made so many people accused, asks plaintiff
Satyajit Ghosh
Shariatpur
Published: 20 Oct 2024, 21: 08

Deceased Al Amin’s mother Jiasmin Begum and sister Aflan Sinthia are crying by his grave at their village home in Dakkhin Mogor village in Naria upazila of Shariatpur on 19 October 2024 Satyajit Ghosh

Al Amin, 29, was shot to death during the movement of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) at Baipail in Savar of Dhaka on 5 August. His father, Ismail, filed a lawsuit against 154 at the metropolitan magistrate court in Dhaka on 9 October in this connection.

Several leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from Shariatpur, Isamil’s home district, helped him in filing the case.

But the case has been filed against some people, who are apparently not involved with the incident. Even the plaintiff does not know how so many people have been accused in the case. Now he wants to rectify the case.

An expatriate to Saudi Arabia, Al Amin was the son of Ismail and Jiasmin Begum, from Dakkhin Mogor village in Naria upazila of Shariatpur. Upon returning home around four months ago, he started a grocery shop along with his father in the Baipail area. Ismail sustained bullet injuries after joining a procession to topple the government. Since then his family members did not know his whereabouts. Later on 17 August, they found his body at the morgue of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital and buried him at his village.

The case Al Amin’s father Ismail filed against 154 include former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former road transport minister Obaidul Quader, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former deputy minister Enamul Haque Shamim, former MP Bahauddin Nasim, BM Mozammel Haque, Opu Ukil and so on.

Besides, the accused include former mayor and councillor of various pourashavas of Shariatpur, upazila parishad chairman and union parishad chairman and local Awami League leaders.

The accused list include US expatriate Abdus Salam, Shariatpur press club general secretary freedom fighter Abdus Samad Talukder, ailing physician Alamgir Mati, National Institute of CardioVascular Diseases (NICVD) physician Ashraful Haque and Naria upazila assistant cooperative officer Shahadat Hossain.

At least 15 of the accused are traders.

Following the filing of the case, judge Dilruba Afroze of the metropolitan magistrate court in Dhaka ordered the Kafrul police station to inform the court by 21 October whether any general diary (GD), unnatural death (UD) case or any regular case was filed in connection with the death of Al Amin and whether the police are investigating the case.

Plaintiff Ismail claimed Naria upazila unit BNP president Dadan Munshi and a convict in a murder case, Babul Talukder, are behind the case.

Babul Talukder, who has been awarded life term imprisonment in a case filed over the murder of former public prosecutor of Shariatpur judge court Habibur Rahman and his brother Monir Hossain Munshi, is currently on the run.

In the case filed over the death of Al Amin, Habibur Rahman’s son Parvez Rahman and Mezbaur Rahman and Monir Hossain’s son Borhan Munshi have been accused.

Besides them, several accused who were acquitted from the case filed over the murder of two brothers from Shariatpur have also been accused.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, plaintiff Ismail said, “Several BNP leaders and a convict accused in a murder case in Shariatpur town communicated with me regarding the case. They called me with a proposal to help me. They said one thing and did the opposite. I did not realise they would use me to file cases against various people. My sign was taken through the lawyer to file the lawsuit. Now I’m caught in a cleft stick for that signature. I’m trying to rectify the case through legal ways.”

US expatriate Abdus Salam has been made accused in the case. He told Prothom Alo over phone, “I’ve come to the US in June. I was not even in the country when the incident took place. I have been made accused due to enmity. Now those people are asking money from my relatives to drop my name as an accused.”

Another accused, Shariatpur press club general secretary freedom fighter Abdus Samad Talukder told Prothom Alo, “A certain group attacked my house after the fall of the government. Those people have made me an accused in the case.”

Modern Herbal’s founding physician Alamgir Mati has been ailing for a long time and remains bedridden often.

His personal assistant told Prothom Alo, “Our sir is sick. He needs help from others even for walking. We are astonished that such a person has been made murder accused.”

Prothom Alo could not contact Babul Talukder as he has been hiding.

Naria upazila BNP president Dadan Munshi is currently in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah Hajj.

Speaking to Prothom Alo over WhatsApp Sunday morning, he said, “Al Amin’s father phoned me seeking help to file a case. Since then I haven’t communicated with him.”

He claimed that he did not know who have been made accused in the case.

Visiting deceased Al Amin’s village home on Saturday morning, his mother Jiasmin Begum and sister Aflan Sinthia were found to be crying by his grave.

Jiasmin Begum lives with a son and a daughter in a house made of iron sheets. She told this correspondent she has been lamenting the loss of her son for the last two and a half months. Amid this she has been facing the tangles of the case.

She further said they do not want to run the case that way.

* The report has been rewritten in English by Shameem Reza​

 

[Saif]

Boy who wanted to stand out

Nasib Hasan Riyan, the second of three children of Golam Razzak and Sammi Akter, had a constant drive to stand out, in clothes or in action. He had a dream of becoming a pilot.

www.newagebd.net

Boy who wanted to stand out
Kamrun Nahar Sumy 27 October, 2024, 00:17

Nasib Hasan Riyan

Nasib Hasan Riyan, the second of three children of Golam Razzak and Sammi Akter, had a constant drive to stand out, in clothes or in action. He had a dream of becoming a pilot.

Riyan’s liveliness used to panic others in the house as he would go on trips outside Dhaka without telling his parents anything. Yet, his maturity helped to ease family tension in disputes, his father said on October 25.

Three bullets hit the 17-year-old spirited boy in the face and the chest on August 5, when he went out for celebrations after the overthrow of the Awami League government that day.

Nasib, who took part in the protests seeking reforms in civil service job reservations, went to Ganabhaban, where the deposed prime minister lived, with his elder brother Nuhash Hasan Rafin and several of his friends.

The student protests, which began on July 1, escalated into a mass uprising later that month, ultimately toppling the Awami League government.

Back from Ganabhaban, they gathered on the Ring Road at Shyamali, at a short distance from Nasib’s house. A group of police personnel suddenly approached them in the afternoon, firing indiscriminately, said Saikat Francis Gomes, a resident of the area who was standing near by.

‘The police personnel raised their hands at one point when several people requested with them not to fire. A procession was approaching from the opposite direction,’ Saikat said.

‘We urged the marchers not to clash with the police. But when a child threw a stone at the police, they began firing again. Nasib fell down.’

A quarter of an hour later, when the police moved away, Saikat, Nasib’s brother who ran into an alley when the police fired, and several others carried Nasib to Alliance Hospital.

He was then taken to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital where he was pronounced dead in the evening.

Eight to nine people were lying wounded on the ground, he said. Later that day, a mob beat to death two police personnel and a leader of the Chhatra League who were hiding in a nearby building, he added.

The police fired in self-defence when the station house was attacked, said a subinspector, who was transferred to the Adabar police on October 1, as he had heard.

Nasib’s father filed a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal on August 29, accusing 52 people, including the deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, on charges of genocide.

The Directorate General of Health Services on September 24 said that after a preliminary investigation, it had listed 708 people having died in the protests and uprising.​

 

[Saif]

Abu Sayeed killing: 2 teachers, 7 staff of BRU suspended

Begum Rokeya University authorities have suspended two teachers and seven staff members in connection with their alleged involvement in the death of Abu Sayeed, a student of the English department of the university who became one of the first as well as iconic martyrs of the Anti-Discrimination Stu

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Abu Sayeed killing: 2 teachers, 7 staff of BRU suspended
FE Online Desk
Published :
Oct 28, 2024 20:09
Updated :
Oct 28, 2024 20:09

Begum Rokeya University authorities have suspended two teachers and seven staff members in connection with their alleged involvement in the death of Abu Sayeed, a student of the English department of the university who became one of the first as well as iconic martyrs of the Anti-Discrimination Students movement in July.

The decision was taken at the 108th Syndicate meeting held at the administrative building of the university on Monday morning with its vice-chancellor Prof. Md Shawkat Ali in the chair.

The meeting also took a number of decisions including stopping politics on the campus, reopening the activities of Chhatra Sangshad and forming a probe body over the allegation of irregularities in the teacher recruitment process of the university, reports UNB.

When briefing, Prof. Shawkat Ali said the authorities concerned have decided to impose a ban on all kinds of criminal activities including extortion, tender manipulation, seat trade in residential dormitories, illegal occupation of halls and tail-wagging politics in order to supervise and control the moral, academic discipline of the students.

As per the university law, no teachers and staff will be members of any political organisations, he said, adding “Action will be taken against those involved in such activities.”

Besides, the meeting decided to file a case against the teachers and staff of the university allegedly involved in the killing of Sayeed.

It also decided to not to accept the leave of those teachers and staff who were absent and a show-cause notice will be issued for their absence.​

 

[Saif]

July uprising: Families of martyrs to get financial aid from today

The July Shaheed Smriti Foundation will start providing financial assistance from today to the families of those who were martyred or injured during the July uprising.

www.thedailystar.net

July uprising: Families of martyrs to get financial aid from today

The July Shaheed Smriti Foundation will start providing financial assistance from today to the families of those who were martyred or injured during the July uprising.

Initially, the families of the deceased will get Tk 5 lakh each, while the injured will get Tk 1 lakh each.

Each week, 200 families will get the assistance, and the disbursement programme will be completed in four phases.

Sarjis Alam, general secretary of the foundation, shared the information at a press conference held at the foundation's office in Shahbagh yesterday.

Sarjis said the first disbursement of funds will take place at the DSCC city hall for the families from the Dhaka division. "Not all martyr families will come tomorrow [today]; those who will receive the assistance have already been contacted," he said.

"Other families will receive assistance in phases over the following weeks, and it is expected that all families will receive their aid by December," he added.

Sarjis also mentioned that after assisting the families from the Dhaka division, aid will be provided to families in other divisions.

The families of martyrs will be given a cheque, while the injured will be sent the money through BKash, he added.

However, if anyone requires urgent assistance, they can contact the helpline at 16000, and help will be provided within three days, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Student injured in uprising dies in CMH

One more student hit by bullets during the student-led mass uprising died on Thursday while undergoing treatment at Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka...

www.newagebd.net

Student injured in uprising dies in CMH
Staff Correspondent 14 November, 2024, 19:45

Abdullah | BSS photo

One more student hit by bullets during the student-led mass uprising died on Thursday while undergoing treatment at Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka.

The victim is Abdullah, a student of Government Shahid Suhrawardy College, hailing from Benapole in Jashore.

Dhaka cantonment police station officer-in-charge Abdul Alim confirmed the news to New Age.

The body of the victim was sent to the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital mortuary for autopsy, said the OC.

Mahin Sarker, a coordinator of the Student Movement Against Discrimination, said that Abdullah was shot in the head in Old Dhaka on August 5.

Abdullah was taken to Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital and later to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He returned home after a surgery at the DMCH, said Mahin.

He was again admitted to the DMCH with infection in the head. Abdullah went through another surgery but he was shifted to the CMH on August 22 as his condition did not improve.

His health condition improved initially at the CMH but he was put on life support after some days, said Mahin, adding that he was on life support till his last day.

The Directorate General of Health Services on September 24 came up with a preliminary list of 708 people who died in the student-led mass uprising that forced Sheikh Hasina to flee to India.

The health affairs sub-committee of the Student Movement Against Discrimination said on September 28 that it had listed 1,581 people as dead in the July-August mass uprising that forced the fall of the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina on August 5.​

 

[Saif]

Each martyr family to get Tk 30 lakh: Prof Yunus

Vows to rehabilitate them; govt to bear all expenses of uprising injured

www.thedailystar.net

Each martyr family to get Tk 30 lakh: Prof Yunus
Vows to rehabilitate them; govt to bear all expenses of uprising injured

Photo: UNB

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today said each martyr's family will get Tk 30 lakh from the government, reiterating that his government will rehabilitate families of all mass-uprising martyrs and bear the full expanses of the treatment of all the injured.

In a televised address to the nation, he said the Health Ministry has already prepared a comprehensive list for the long-term and expensive treatment of the injured and looking after the families of the martyrs.

"Families of all the martyrs of the mass uprising will be rehabilitated and no one will be left out," he said.

At the beginning of his speech, the chief adviser remembered the millions of martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and all those martyrs of the uprising of the student-worker-mass movement against 'fascism' in July-August.

Prof Yunus said the government took steps to bring corneas from Nepal for the treatment of those who lost their eyesight suffering pellet injury in the mass uprising.

The chief adviser said some deserving injured have also been sent abroad for better treatment under government initiatives.

No martyrs and injured students and workers of the July uprising will be left out of rehabilitation plans and healthcare, he said, adding that this is the commitment made by the interim government.

Prof Yunus said the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, formed to preserve the memory of the martyrs of this mass uprising, has started its works with full momentum. The government has given a grant of TK 100 crore to this foundation.

He said the social welfare ministry has sent a proposal of $5 million allocation to the World Bank through the Economic Relations Division to ensure the rehabilitation of the families of the martyrs and the best treatment of the injured in the July-August revolution.​

 

[Saif]

Consider me as an adviser from Rangpur: Dr Yunus

The chief adviser enquired about the health condition of Abu Sayed's parents and assured them of all support from the government.

en.prothomalo.com

Consider me as an adviser from Rangpur: Dr Yunus
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 28 Nov 2024, 19: 50

The chief adviser hands over the certificate of the Shahid Abu Sayed Foundation to the family members of martyr Abu Sayed on 28 November, 2024. BSS

Chief adviser Prof Yunus has said he considered himself a son of Rangpur as he was moved by the bravery and sacrifice of July uprising martyr Abu Sayed.

"Consider me as an adviser from Rangpur," said Professor Yunus while welcoming the family members of Abu Sayed at his office in Tajgaon, Dhaka.

The chief adviser handed over the certificate of the Shahid Abu Sayed Foundation to the family members of martyr Abu Sayed during a brief ceremony on the day.

Mokbul Hossain, the father of Abu Sayed, received the certificate. Liton Mia, a nephew of Abu Sayed, was also present on the occasion.

The chief adviser enquired about the health condition of Abu Sayed's parents and assured them of all support from the government.​

 

[Saif]

Daily Star’s photo exhibition ‘36 Days of July -- Saluting The Bravehearts’ begins

The event began with a one-minute silence to honour the students and people, who fought against fascism

www.thedailystar.net

Daily Star’s photo exhibition ‘36 Days of July -- Saluting The Bravehearts’ begins

The photo exhibition titled "36 Days of July -- Saluting The Bravehearts" was inaugurated today at The Daily Star Centre in the capital's Farmgate area.

The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam opened the exhibition around 3:15pm.

The event organised by The Daily Star began with a one-minute silence to honour the students and people, who fought against fascism.

Photo: Prabir Das

The exhibition pays tribute to those who lost lives, were injured, or traumatised during the revolution.

It showcases The Daily Star's coverage through stories, photos, and editorials, reflecting the sacrifices and the regime's brutality, and honours reporters and photographers who risked their lives for authentic reporting.

Photo: Prabir Das

The exhibition will run until December 7. It will be open to all from 10:00am to 8:00pm.

As part of the exhibition, a discussion on "Courage amidst crisis: Stories from volunteers of the July Uprising" will be held tomorrow while a similar programme titled "Pedagogy of Protest: A discussion with university teachers on the frontlines" will be held on Monday. Another discussion on "Woman, Life, Freedom: A dialogue on political representation of women" will take place on Tuesday.

Photo: Prabir Das/Star

Same programme titled "The Blackout Chronicles: How journalists and activists navigated the Blackout" will be held on Wednesday.

Discussion on "Marginalised Voices of the July Revolution: Stories of struggle, sacrifice and hope from workers" will take place on Thursday.

Similar programme "Write to Protest: Writers and poets on their experience of the Uprising" will take place on Saturday.​

 

[Saif]

Workers erased from July mass uprising narrative

Long-term rehabilitation and comprehensive support are neededfor the families of those killed and injured during the July uprising, speakers said at an event yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

Workers erased from July mass uprising narrative
Speakers tell Star discussion

Rubi, a domestic worker, breaks down as she speaks about her son Rana Talukder, who was shot dead by police in the capital’s Uttara on August 5. She was speaking at the fifth storytelling session, “Marginalised voices of the July Revolution”, of The Daily Star’s storytelling week titled “36 days of July: Saluting the Bravehearts”. PHOTO: PRABIR DAS

Long-term rehabilitation and comprehensive support are neededfor the families of those killed and injured during the July uprising, speakers said at an event yesterday.

They said many families have lost their sole breadwinners, while injured survivors are unable to return to their previous professions due to their injuries, adding that the financial assistance provided by the July Smriti Foundation is insufficient and demeaning.

They made the remarks at a discussion titled "Marginalised Voices of the July Revolution," organised by The Daily Star at its photo exhibition and storytelling week -- "36 Days of July: Saluting the Bravehearts". It focused on the stories of struggle, sacrifice, and resilience of workers affected by the movement.

Md Jobaer Hasan recounted how his 15-year-old brother Julfiqar had been missing for six days before being found in the DMCH Burn Unit.

"His eye was completely damaged, and over 100 shotgun pellets were lodged in his body," Jobaer said.

Julfiqar's mother, who had raised her two sons with support from others, pleaded, "Doctors said his eye cannot be healed, even [if he is taken] abroad. But I want the government to help him regain his sight."

Shariful Islam, a private service holder who sustained bullet wounds on August 5, shared his experience of facingapathy from hospital authorities and the lack of state support.

He said he had to visit the July Smrity Foundation himself to receive financial aid.

Shariful said he dreams of a new Bangladesh that is free of discrimination, where everyone has enough to eat, voting rights are upheld, grassroots voices are heard, and police serve the people.

According to the speakers, 80 percent of those killed during the July uprising were not students but workers, including rickshaw-pullers, and homeless individuals. Despite their sacrifices, these communities are being erased from the narrative.

"If we fail to include them as stakeholders in building a new Bangladesh, we are not heading towards true democracy," said Mahfuzur Rahman Shamim, convener of Bangladesh Janatar Sangsad.

He criticised the tendency to label protesting marginalised groups, like battery rickshaw-pullers, as accomplices of fascists. He also saidthe government, like its predecessor, sided with RMG owners rather than the workers when discussing wages.

Asadul Islam, central office secretary of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati, criticised the lack of recognition of RMG workers who played a key role in the uprising, many of whom were injured or killed.

"Their sacrifices remain unacknowledged, except for a few cases highlighted in the media," he said, calling the Tk 1 lakh compensation for injured families "alms, not compensation".

Prabir Saha, assistant general secretary of the same platform, stressed the need to honour RMG workers and implement the 18-point demands submitted to the interim government.

"The demands include attendance bonuses, minimum wage reform, an eight-hour workday, labour law reforms, and constitutional changes to ensure workers' dignity."

Rickshaw-puller Noor Muhammad recalled being forced by police to take martyredGolam Nafiz's injured body on his rickshaw on August 4.

After being turned away from hospitals, Noor eventually arranged for an autorickshaw to take Nafiz to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital.

Noor cried, "No mother should lose her child this way."

Pria Khan, a member of the Hijra community, shared how she and her peers tirelessly served at DMCH from July 17, witnessing a relentless wave of death bodies, particularly on July 19.

"There were bodies arriving on stretchers, in ambulances, and even on rickshaws. There was no one to carry them inside…. I remember a BRAC University student being brought in by ambulance. I tried to carry him inside but couldn't do it alone. I begged for help, but he died before we could take him inside."

Pria revealed the contributions of her community. "Our group of five Hijras collected 730 bags of blood, and our Guru Ma raised Tk 3 lakh in just two days for the treatment of the injured.

"Three morgues were overflowing, with bodies lying out in the open. By July 24, the stench of decay filled the air, and there wasn't even space to stand or sit. Ambulances charged Tk 10,000-15,000 to transport bodies, turning the crisis into a business. I saw more than 1,000-1,500 people die at DMCH alone, yet we still don't have an accurate death toll."

Pria also shared how her phone was snatched, videos deleted, and threats issued to silence her for documenting the atrocities.

Rubi, the mother of martyred Rana Talukder, recounted the devastating loss of her 32-year-old son, a driver by profession, who was shot dead near Uttara East Police Station on August 5.

Rana had left home that afternoon with his elder brother, Roni, to celebrate the fall of Sheikh Hasina.

"Hearing gunshots, I went out to bring them back. Rana said he'd find Roni, and they'd return home together," Rubi said, her voice breaking.

Roni later found Rana shot near the police station. He was rushed to Uttara Modern Medical College Hospital, where he was declared dead at 8:10pm.​

 

[Saif]

Diplomats pay tribute to July bravehearts

Diplomats of foreign missions in Bangladesh yesterday attended The Daily Star’s exhibition to pay tribute to the brave hearts of the July uprising.

www.thedailystar.net

Diplomats pay tribute to July bravehearts
Visits ’s Star exhibition on mass uprising

Diplomats of foreign missions in Bangladesh yesterday visited The Daily Star Centre in the capital to see the “36 Days of July: Saluting the Bravehearts”, an exhibition organised by the newspaper to pay tribute to the unparalleled courage and resilience of the brave hearts of the July uprising. PHOTO: AMRAN HOSSAIN

Diplomats of foreign missions in Bangladesh attended The Daily Star's exhibition yesterday to pay tribute to the bravehearts of the July uprising.


The event featured the screening of a documentary film produced with The Daily Star's footage and photographs, along with testimonies of its journalists who put their lives on the line to bring stories of indomitable courage to their readers.

Launched on November 30, "36 Days of July: Saluting the Bravehearts", an exhibition of news reports and photographs, is dedicated to the martyrs and those injured during the mass uprising in July and August. The exhibition will continue till December 14.

At the special invitation of the daily, the distinguished guests started arriving at The Daily Star Centre at around 3:00pm to join the special viewing programme.

The programme commenced with the documentary film "Droher July: Shongbade, Shongrame (July of Rebellion: In News, In Battle)".

After the inauguration, the visitors explored the exhibition, moving through the photographs and news coverage on the ground floor and first floor of the building and appreciated the newspaper's coverage during the movement.

The exhibition highlights The Daily Star's coverage of this historic uprising, including editorials and commentaries, along with articles and features.

A dedicated corner was set up for guests to reflect on, and the diplomats shared their thoughts regarding the exhibition and the uprising in the visitors' book.

After visiting the exhibition, Michael Miller, ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union, in his reaction told this newspaper that he was grateful to The Daily Star leadership for the invitation. He commended the photographs at the exhibition as "striking, tragic and impressive". "The European Union is here to identify how it can support the interim government at this moment of political transition in your country," he added.

In the visitors' book, he wrote, "Extremely impressive! No one can leave without a deep sense of tragedy mixed with hope and more."

Palestinian Ambassador Yousef SY Ramadan also thanked The Daily Star and said the newspaper has always contributed to everything positive for the people of Bangladesh -- something he has witnessed for the last 10 years.

"Brave, constructive and wise. If we want to talk about the uprising, I think when the people speak loudly, no one has the right to have a louder voice than the people," he said, adding that the people, led by the students, have spoken out; the decision was made; and the victory was achieved.

"Congratulations to Bangladesh! We just pray and hope that this country will enjoy total freedom, democracy, dignity, and full sovereignty in every aspect! The people of Bangladesh deserve that," he said, adding that they do deserve a better life for the future generation.

Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma described the exhibition as "very well curated and documented".

"It is a very important moment in the history of Bangladesh.

"Of course very poignant as to what happened during those months. We really hope that Bangladesh will have a better future. We will always be supporting a stable, democratic, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh," he said.

He hopes that the exhibition paves the way for that future and serve that purpose.

Verma wrote in the visitor's book, "Touching, well curated. Capturing History."

Gavin Tench, minister counsellor political and humanitarian, British High Commission, wrote, "Very moving!"

Chinese Embassy Political Attache Lin Yuyang in his reaction said that it was his first time to see such a whole collection of the people's strength and courage. "It will enlighten us."

He said he was in Dhaka during the July-August uprising and saw so many students and mass people from different walks of life fighting for a new Bangladesh.

"We respect the efforts of the people, and we support the interim government from the Chinese side. We hope for stability, peace and co-existence, rehabilitation and a prosperous future. We will do what we can to support the people and government of Bangladesh," he added.

Zhang Jing, political director of the Chinese embassy, wrote in the visitor's book, "A good collection of the courage and strength of BD [Bangladeshi] people."

Fasih Ullah Khan, press counsellor of the Pakistan High Commission, wrote, "Very impressive. Saw some rare pictures."

Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, also visited the exhibition yesterday.

Such "extraordinary" exhibitions need to be held around the country so that all the people can have a glimpse of the history in this momentous occasion.

"I think it brings back history into life, and it's a testimony of the bravery of this country," he said.

The sacrifices young people have made to bring back democracy and open up a new way to the progress of the country have to be carried forward.

"But what is more important that the promise made through the sacrifices has to be kept alive. We will have to bring back all those memories in order to inspire our generation in building our future Bangladesh," Bhattacharya said.

Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, said the newspaper organised the exhibition as part of the efforts to remember and pay tribute to the fearless souls who sacrificed their lives during the "36 days of July".

Among the guests were French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy; Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Maria Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru; UAE Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al Hamoudi; Libyan Ambassador Mahmud MM Sallabi; Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks; Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Møller; Dutch Ambassador Andre Carstens; Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari; Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro; acting high commissioner of Australia Nardia Simpson; and Moroccan Embassy's Deputy Head of Mission Majid Halem.

Besides Alberto Giovanetti, head of economic, political and communication affairs at the Swiss Embassy; Towheed Feroze, EU Embassy media and information adviser; Gokul VK, first secretary of the Indian High Commission; and Mohamed El Emam, country manager of Qatar Airways, also attended the event.​