Special Correspondent: A documentary film competition aimed at preserving the legacy of the July Movement concluded in Dhaka on Tuesday with speakers emphasizing the importance of documenting the country`s recent political history for future generations while warning against any return to authoritarian rule.

The award ceremony of the "July Awakening Docufilm Competition 2026", organized by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, was held at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum. The event brought together political leaders, students, families of those killed during the movement, journalists, and members of the public.

Organizers said the competition sought to preserve memories of the July Movement, document the sacrifices of those who lost their lives, and encourage young filmmakers to present the movement`s history through documentary films.

Addressing the event as chief guest, Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman described the July Movement as "a unique chapter" in Bangladesh`s political history.

He said preserving the movement`s memory was essential not only to honor those who sacrificed their lives but also to educate future generations about the country`s democratic struggles.

"The initiatives taken throughout the month to preserve the memory of the movement deserve appreciation," he said, adding that children, adolescents, and young people should have access to this history.

Reflecting on a symbolic memorial exhibition set up at the venue, Dr. Rahman said such initiatives help people understand the cost of sacrifice behind political change.

Encouraging participants in the documentary competition, he expressed hope that today`s young filmmakers would become future leaders in nation-building.

Referring to the country`s political future, he warned that any attempt to establish "a new form of fascism" would once again be resisted by the people. At the same time, he said he hoped such a situation would not arise, noting that those currently in power had themselves once experienced political repression.

The event was chaired by Nurul Islam, central president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir.

He said the competition was designed to collect and preserve stories, evidence, and local memories of the July Movement from across the country through documentary filmmaking.

According to him, independent judges selected the winning films based on their quality and historical value.

Nurul Islam also alleged that attempts were being made to erase the movement`s memory and claimed that attacks had occurred on some of the organization`s programmes. He urged the government to maintain law and order while stating that his party`s activists had exercised restraint.

Among the special guests, Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, said the people of Bangladesh had historically resisted authoritarian governments and that the July Movement reflected that tradition through widespread participation by students and citizens.

He praised both the documentary competition and cultural performances for helping preserve the movement`s legacy and reaffirmed support for families of those killed and injured during the movement.

Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim said memories of those who died during the July Movement remained deeply emotional. He recalled that party activists continued their programmes despite fear and repression during the 2024 movement and stressed the need for continued cultural and creative efforts to preserve its history.

Award Winners

The top prize was awarded to "July Through the Eyes of a Village," directed by Mahmud H.M. of Noakhali, who received Tk 200,000, a crest, and a certificate.

The second prize went to "Fragments of July" from Gazipur Metropolitan, receiving Tk 150,000.

"Rebellious July", produced by the Narsingdi district unit, secured third place and received Tk 100,000.

The fourth prize went to "Beyond the Rain of Bullets" from Dhaka Metropolitan East, while "The Silent Echo" finished fifth.

The programme concluded with the distribution of awards among the winners in the presence of students, guardians, journalists, and relatives of those who were killed during the movement.

While the event centered on documentary filmmaking and historical preservation, it also featured broader political discussions on democracy, governance, and Bangladesh`s future, highlighting the continuing significance of the July Movement in the country`s political discourse.