DU Correspondent: Marking the second anniversary of the July Movement, a unique literary and intellectual event was held in the capital on Saturday, bringing together politicians, academics, writers and cultural figures to emphasize the importance of preserving the movement`s history through research, literature and creative works.

At the programme, organized by ICS Publications, the publishing wing of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, eight new books inspired by the July Movement were officially unveiled at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum in Shahbagh.

The newly released titles are Blood-Stained Green Wings, A Handful of Sunshine, My July, July Bengali Alphabet, July Memories (Volume II), July Revolution Walls, Spirit of July `24 A–Z, and Maktab.

Although the event centered on the publication of the books, discussions extended far beyond literature. Speakers stressed that the July Movement should be documented through evidence-based research and preserved as a significant national experience for future generations. They also warned against what they described as attempts to distort or diminish the movement`s historical significance.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Member of Parliament Saiful Alam Khan Milon said that various efforts were underway to create confusion surrounding the July Movement. According to him, one of the most serious attempts was to portray the movement as being in opposition to Bangladesh`s 1971 Liberation War, a development he described as divisive politics.

He said the July Movement emerged through the participation of people from all walks of life and therefore any attempt, at home or abroad, to undermine it would be resisted with the support of the people.

He further said the ideals of the movement should inspire efforts to build a Bangladesh free from discrimination, deprivation and injustice.

Presiding over the programme, Nurul Islam Saddam, President of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the July uprising and called for the prompt and impartial trial of past incidents of violence.

He said the primary objective of the publication initiative was to present an evidence-based account of the July Movement before the nation. He noted that research, novels, children`s literature and other forms of intellectual and creative work could help ensure that future generations understand the movement and its historical context.

Saddam also announced a series of initiatives, including research projects, publication programmes, children`s books and a nationwide memoir-writing competition focusing on the July Movement.

Referring to the country`s political situation, he said that if public opinion was ignored and state institutions were subjected to partisan influence, democratic and peaceful public movements would continue.

Special guest and Member of Parliament Hafez Rashedul Islam said that Bangladesh`s future could not be imagined without acknowledging the July Movement. He claimed that Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir had actively participated in the movement through various programmes from its early stages and expressed hope that the organization would continue to play a constructive role.

He praised the efforts of writers, researchers and publishers, saying literature remained one of the most effective ways of introducing younger generations to important chapters of national history.

Former Chhatra Shibir President Manjurul Islam observed that a nation`s history is preserved not only in textbooks but also through novels, theatre, art and literature. He said literary and cultural works should reflect both the July Movement and the people`s long struggle against misrule and injustice.

He also remarked that the July Movement was not the achievement of any single organization but the result of the participation of various student groups and countless ordinary citizens. Therefore, he said, its values should be embraced across the political spectrum.

Among others present at the event were poet, novelist and researcher Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman Akhand, Professor Saiful Arefin Lenin, writer and poet Solaiman Ahsan, author Juyayer Hossain, and Md. Golam Razzak, father of July martyr Nasir Hasan Riyan.

Throughout the programme, speakers repeatedly highlighted the need to preserve the July Movement not merely as a political memory but as an important part of Bangladesh`s national history. They emphasized that books, memoirs, novels, children`s literature, academic research and other creative publications would play a vital role in keeping the movement`s experiences and ideals alive for future generations.

The event concluded with a renewed call for sustained scholarly research, literary engagement and cultural initiatives to ensure that the history of the July Movement remains accessible, well-documented and open to future study and public discussion.